Case: M/S MANGILAL VISHNOI Vs. NATIONAL INSURANCE COMPANY LIMITED &amp; ORS

3. Tej Singh, deceased was engaged by the appellant as a Helper who died in the course of employment of the appellant on his borewell vehicle No. RJ-06-J2725 on 11.10.2002 due to collapse of soil surrounding the well. The petition was filed before the Employees Commissioner (For short, the Commissioner) under the Act for grant of compensation. The learned Commissioner passed an award dated 2.12.2005 awarding a sum of Rs.3,27,555/- along with Rs.2,500/- as expenses for the last rites. The legal heirs of deceased were also granted interest @18% p.a. from the date of accident.4. The insurance company filed an appeal under Section 30 of the Act before the High Court. The High Court accepted the appeal holding that the deceased was a Helper though the policy covered Cleaner or Driver of the Vehicle in question. The High Court reduced the interest to 12% p.a. Since the insurance company has paid the amount, liberty was granted to it to recover the sum from the present appellant.

Reasoning: 8. We have heard learned counsel for the parties and find that the High Court has accepted appeal on a make-believe argument that Cleaner or Helper engaged by the employer are engaged in two different duties and that a Helper is not covered by the insurance policy. The High Court has recorded a finding that admittedly deceased was a Helper. In the absence of any clear demarcation of duties of a Helper or a Cleaner and in view of the fact that Helper and Cleaner are interchangeably used, therefore, declining claim for the reason that deceased was engaged as a helper and not Cleaner is wholly unjustified. Additionally, the employer sought indemnification of five other employees engaged in loading or unloading activities by paying extra premium. It was for the insurance company to cross examine the witnesses produced by the claimant or by the owner to prove the fact that deceased was not engaged in loading or unloading activities. We find that the High Court has drawn a distinction between Helper and a Cleaner when none existed.