In Brief
A labourer suffered injuries in a truck accident in 2000. After a 16-year delay, a labour commissioner awarded him compensation of Rs 2,78,926 plus 12% annual interest from the accident date. The insurer appealed to the High Court 619 days late. The High Court dismissed the appeal for delay but wrongly deleted the interest award. The Supreme Court set aside the High Court's order and restored the interest award, holding that compensation interest runs from the accident date under the Workmen's Compensation Act. The Court awarded costs against the insurer for pursuing a barred appeal.
The lawyer headnote and full judgment text are available to registered users.