Notional Extension of Employment Brings Accident During Medical Aid Within Employment Scope: Kerala High Court

In a landmark judgment, the Kerala High Court on 9^th April 2024, upheld the principles of notional extension of employment in the case of The Oriental Insurance Co. Ltd. Vs Radhakrishnan & Others. The court dismissed the appeal filed by The Oriental Insurance Company challenging the compensation awarded to a bus conductor who met with an accident while seeking medical aid for a condition experienced during his employment.

Legal Point of Judgment: The primary legal issue revolved around whether the bus conductor’s accident, which occurred while he was on his way to the hospital for a condition experienced during work, fell within the scope of his employment for the purposes of compensation under the Workmen’s Compensation Act, 1923.

Background: The bus conductor, employed by the 2^nd respondent and later involving a bus owned by the 3^rd respondent, suffered chest pain during his employment and subsequently met with an accident while traveling to the hospital. The Commissioner for Workmen’s Compensation awarded him a compensation of Rs.1,13,736/-, which was challenged by the Oriental Insurance Company.

Transfer of Liability: The court referenced Section 157 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, noting that the liability of the insurance policy transfers with the ownership of the vehicle, as established in “Mallamma (Dead) by L.rs. v. National Insurance Co. Ltd. And Others [(2014) 14 SCC 137]”.

Notional Extension of Employment: The court applied the principle of notional extension of employment, asserting that the journey to the hospital for medical aid falls within the scope of employment. This principle was supported by precedents such as “General Manager, B.E.S.T Undertaking, Bombay v. Mrs.Agnes [AIR 1964 SC 193]” and further cases.

Scope of Employment: The court found no impropriety in the Commissioner’s findings that the accident occurred in the course of the claimant’s employment, thereby justifying the compensation.

Decision: The appeal by The Oriental Insurance Company was dismissed, affirming the compensation to the bus conductor.

Date of Decision: 9^th April 2024.

“The Oriental Insurance Co. Ltd. Vs Radhakrishnan & Others”,