New Delhi, August 17: The Delhi High Court today asked the Centre to pay Rs 23.75 lakh to the family of a chef who was killed in a road accident with an Indian Air Force (IAF) vehicle 11 years ago, after noting that he had served several dignitaries including the King and Queen of Spain.
“The deceased was a very highly qualified chef. The executive chef is one of the highest paid officials in five star hotels, it can be presumed that he had the capacity to earn at least Rs 20,000 per month,” Justice J R Midha said.
The court noted that victim Ashok Pant, 48, won many awards, besides having the unique distinction of cooking personally for former President Giani Zail Singh, ex-PMs Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi, King Carlos and Queen Sophia of Spain, Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip of the UK.
It enhanced the compensation amount of Rita Pant, the wife of victim who had started his own catering service after having worked as executive chef of different five-star hotels across the country, from Rs 10.35 lakh to Rs 23.75 lakh, dismissing an appeal filed by the IAF.
It pointed out that the Motor Accident Claim Tribunal did not consider facts regarding the victim’s qualification, professional experience and earning capacity while determining the award of compensation to his family comprising his widow, two minor children, mother and disabled sister.
Pant, travelling in an autorickshaw along with his wife, was hit by the IAF vehicle on September nine, 1998. He was taken to hospital where he succumbed to injuries.
—Agencies