RAMCHANDRA vs R.M., UNITED INDIA INS.CO.LTD.

The Supreme Court held that the liability of the United India Insurance Company Ltd. under the Workmen’s Compensation Act, 1923 is not exclusive and does not preclude claims under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. The Court reiterated the principle established in Suresh Chandra vs. State of U.P. & Anr. (1996 ACJ 1) that compensation for injuries sustained by a labourer due to negligence during employment can exceed the limits set by the Workmen’s Compensation Act. The Court overturned the High Court's ruling that restricted compensation to Rs. 32,091 under the Workmen’s Compensation Act, affirming that full compensation under the Motor Vehicles Act is also applicable.