Supreme Court: Acquittal in criminal case doesn't prove lack of negligence

The core issue is the determination of liability, specifically whether the deceased driver was contributorily negligent, and the calculation of the appropriate compensation amount.

Who it concerns: Appellant: Reena; Respondents: The Managing Director, Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) and others; Bench: Justice S.V.N. Bhatti.

What the court decided

• The Court is hearing Civil Appeals against the High Court's judgment which awarded Rs. 7,17,634/- for the death of the husband (after deducting 50% for contributory negligence), Rs. 15,000/- for the death of the mother-in-law, and Rs. 92,000/- for the appellant's injuries.
• The Appellant argues that the finding of 50% contributory negligence by the deceased driver is erroneous and that the compensation awarded is insufficient.
• The Respondent argues that the deceased driver was solely responsible for the accident and that the compensation awarded is just.
• The Court has not yet issued a final order or judgment in the provided text; the text concludes with the arguments of the parties.

Also in the document

• The High Court reduced the compensation for the death of the mother-in-law from Rs. 1,50,000/- to Rs. 15,000/-.
• The High Court applied a 50% deduction for contributory negligence regarding the death of the husband.
• The Appellant is proceeding in person (Appellant-in-Person).
• The case is marked as 'NON-REPORTABLE'.