In Shisham Devi v. Bishan Singh &Ors. (FAO (MV) No.37 of 2021, decided on May 5, 2026), the High Court of Himachal Pradesh reviewed an appeal against a Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT) award that had slashed an injured pedestrian’s compensation by 50% after finding her guilty of contributory negligence. The accident occurred in 2016 at Chhaila Market when the claimant was struck by an Alto car.
The High Court reversed the Tribunal’s finding of contributory negligence, holding the driver solely liable due to an enhanced duty of care in populated marketplace areas. Evaluating the statutory claims under a summary framework, the Court modified and enhanced the total quantum of compensation to Rs. 1,26,428/-, while simultaneously altering the uniform interest rate down from 9% to 7.5% per annum.
1. Factual Background and Tribunal’s Slashed Award
- The Incident: On January 13, 2016, 50-year-old Shisham Devi was standing on the side of the road at Chhaila Market after alighting from a bus when she was struck by an Alto car driven by Respondent No. 2. She sustained head injuries and a fractured leg.
- The Police Report: Immediately following the accident, a police report (RapatRoznamcha) was registered based on initial statements at the health center, suggesting that the claimant had inadvertently stepped in front of the moving vehicle.
- Tribunal’s Ruling: Relying primarily on the police entry, the MACT found the claimant contributorily negligent. It calculated a base compensation of Rs. 1,19,200/- but slashed it by 50%, awarding her only Rs. 59,600/- with 9% interest. The claimant appealed to set aside the negligence deduction and seek an enhancement of damages.
2. Key Issues Addressed & Legal Principles Applied
A. Reversal of Contributory Negligence in Populated Areas
The High Court set aside the 50% deduction and held the driver entirely at fault, validating the following principles:
- Testimony vs. Police Diary: A daily diary register entry (Rapat) recorded by the police while an injured victim is under severe medical trauma and not on oath cannot supersede sworn, consistent testimonies delivered before a court of law.
- Enhanced Duty of Care: Drivers operating vehicles through busy, populated market areas carry a higher legal burden of care. They must navigate with extreme caution and controlled speeds to guard against pedestrian accidents.
- Evidentiary Deficiencies: While the driver and owner claimed the pedestrian was at fault, they failed to summon any independent market witnesses to verify their defense, and the driver’s testimony failed to specify his exact speed or preventive measures. Given the masses’ low legal literacy, routine administrative police reports cannot block a valid tortious claim established on a preponderance of probabilities.
B. Assessment of Pecuniary and Non-Pecuniary Damages
Because MACT proceedings are beneficial and summary in nature, strict and technical rules of evidence do not apply. The Court evaluated the heads of compensation independently:
- Pain and Sufferings: Based on an established 6-day hospitalization window across multiple medical facilities, the Court granted Rs. 12,000/- (calculated at Rs. 2,000 per day).
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: The Court awarded Rs. 50,000/- noting that her 4-month recovery/convalescence period structurally restricted her from living a normal life.
- Loss of Earning Capacity vs. Loss of Income: The claimant’s request for permanent functional disability damages was denied because she failed to produce an official medical disability certificate. However, for her 5-month recovery window, the Court granted a total loss of income of Rs. 20,000/- based on her contractual salary of Rs. 4,000/- per month.
- Medical Bills: Unproved medical bills (marked as exhibits but not certified by a doctor) were contextually accepted given her documented brain surgery and treatment, totaling Rs. 9,228/-.
- Attendant & Special Diet Charges: Validated at Rs. 25,200/- for 126 days of combined hospital and home recovery (calculated at Rs. 300 per day). The Court clarified that attendant charges remain compensable even if the care is provided pro-bono by family members.
- Transportation Charges: Fixed at Rs. 10,000/- due to referrals across multiple hospitals.
3. Final Quantum of Compensation Approved
| Compensation Head | Amount Fixed by High Court |
| Pain and Sufferings | Rs. 12,000/- |
| Loss of Enjoyment of Life | Rs. 50,000/- |
| Loss of Income (5 Months) | Rs. 20,000/- |
| Medical Expenses (Bills Mark L1 to L17) | Rs. 9,228/- |
| Special Diet & Attendant Charges | Rs. 25,200/- |
| Transportation Charges | Rs. 10,000/- |
| Total Enhanced Compensation | Rs. 1,26,428/- |
Conclusion of the Court: The appeal was allowed, entirely erasing the 50% contributory negligence penalty. The final compensation was enhanced to Rs. 1,26,428/-. Aligning with modern judicial trends, the interest rate was reduced from 9% to 7.5% per annum, running from the initial petition filing date until full realization from the insurer.
STPL (Web) 2026 HP 268
Shisham Devi V. Bishan Singh &Ors. (D.O.J. 05.05.2026)
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