In Brief
A widow and minor child of a man who died from motor accident injuries claimed Rs. 15 lakh in compensation. The Motor Accidents Claim Tribunal awarded Rs. 13.97 lakh. The High Court reduced it to Rs. 9.56 lakh without assigning reasons. The Supreme Court held that an appellate court cannot arbitrarily reduce compensation without cogent reasons. When a Tribunal awards compensation based on proper evidence appreciation, the appellate court must similarly appreciate evidence and provide reasoned judgment. The Court restored the Tribunal's award as just and reasonable.
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