A Small Causes Court has ordered the payment of compensation of Rs 13.48 lakh for the death of a medical student near Secretariat in 2008.
On April 26, 2008, R. Aravind (20), a third-year medical student, was returning to his house in Royapuram on a motorcycle after attending an ophthalmology class at Government General Hospital at Royapettah. At Rajaji Salai near the Secretariat, an MTC bus on route no-21L hit the motorcycle. The student was thrown off his vehicle and the bus ran over him. Later he succumbed to injuries at the Government General Hospital.
Following the accident, the boy’s parents Ravindran and Shanthi, filed a petition in the city court claiming a compensation of Rs.1.09 crore. They said the accident occurred only due to the rash and negligent driving by the MTC driver. However, the Corporation denied the charge and argued that the deceased was solely responsible for the accident.
Rejecting Corporation’s contention, S. Meenakshisundaram, Chief Judge, Court of Small Causes pointed out a constable who was on duty at accident spot, stated in his evidence that the bus was driven in a rash manner, which led to the accident.
The Judge said, “The evidence is clear, cogent and convincing. Hence, it is held that accident has happened due to the rash and negligent driving of driver of bus and the Metropolitan Transport Corporation is liable to pay compensation to the petitioners.”
Citing a judgement of Madras High Court, the Judge quantified the compensation as Rs.13.48 lakh. The compensation will be awarded with an interest at 7.5 per cent per annum from the date of petition till date of payment.
