9.64 Crores as Compensation from APSRTC for an Accident That Killed NRI Women in 2009

A case dating back to 2009 was held on Tuesday by the Supreme Court of India which ordered the Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Authority to pay 9.64 crores to a nonresident telegu woman who died in a bus accident dating back to 2009. The bench comprising Sanjay Karol and Prashant Kumar Mishra has shared their verdict and urged APSRTC to pay the sum amount to Shyam Prasad Nagalla, husband of Lakshmi Nagalla who died in the bus accident. 

Lakshmi was a well-settled individual living in the US who came to India for a holiday with two of her daughters. She pursued a Master's in Computer science and was also in the process of obtaining permanent citizenship. She was traveling from Annavaram to Rajamahendravaram when a bus collided with her husband's vehicle. The APRSTS bus killed Lakshmi while her husband and daughters survived the accident in 2009. 

Shyam Prasad Nagalla then filed a case at the Secundrabad Motor Accident Tribunal stating that his wife was earning close to $11000 in the US and her family was dealing with immense issues. The death of Lakhsmi had caused immense problems to the family for which he sought compensation of 9 crores. 

The case lasted till 2014 which was a long time. The Tribunal ordered APSRTC to pay a compensation of 8.5 crores. After counterarguments, the Telangana High Court reduced the amount to 5.89 crores. Shyam Prasad was quite unsatisfied with the actions and the compensation of Telangana High Court and moved to the Supreme Court for better assistance. The court awarded the decision of the Tribunal and ordered APSRTC to pay a sum of 9.64 Crore to the deceased individual husband. 

The long delay and wait of the husband in the 2009 bus accident is a clear indication of the delayed judgment made in India. Lawyers and Advocates have expressed their dissatisfaction over the delayed case hearings and delayed verdicts. This can lead to the exemption in bringing justice. In the case of the 2009 bus accident. These delays often lead to the death of the accused or the death of the victim where the court decides to rule out the punishment because of old-aged cases. 

The husband of Lakhsmi Nagalla also claimed that the loss of her wife was a challenge for the daughters as they had their education. However, the long-awaited case of his wife’s accident further challenges education as she was also a primary source of income. After ages, the daughters live well and the compensation awarded has no current need.