Key Takeaways
- A pedestrian who lost his leg in a KTC bus accident in 1992 has won Rs. 10 million compensation.
- The case, filed in 1994, was finally heard by a civil court in 2025 and ruled in favor of the plaintiff.
- The Sindh government and the driver were found jointly liable for the accident.
A pedestrian who lost his right leg in a Karachi Transport Corporation (KTC) bus accident over three decades ago has secured Rs. 10 million compensation after a lengthy legal battle that spanned more than three decades.
The victim, Kishan Lal, was hit by the bus on March 9, 1992, near Korangi Road and Akhtar Colony bus stop in Karachi. The accident occurred when the vehicle was reportedly being driven at excessive speed, on the wrong side of the road, and in a rash and negligent manner.
Lal, who was only 27 years old at the time, lost his right leg above the knee due to severe injuries sustained from the collision. He filed a damages suit against the Sindh government through its transport secretary and bus driver Mehmood in 1994. The case remained pending before the Sindh High Court (SHC) for decades.
In 2025, the case was transferred to a civil court under the Sindh Civil Courts Amendment Act. Senior Civil Judge South Sher Muhammad Kolachi ruled that both the Sindh government and the driver were jointly and severally liable for the injuries, financial losses, and permanent disability suffered by Lal.
The court awarded Lal Rs. 10 million after considering his permanent amputation, pain and suffering, mental distress, reduced earning capacity, medical expenses, future hardship, and loss of normal life activities. The judge also ordered a 15% annual profit or markup from the date the case was filed until the full amount is paid.
The judgment highlighted that Lal’s work as a skilled leather cutter required physical mobility and standing for long periods. His ability to continue in this profession was significantly reduced following his amputation, affecting not only his movement and earning capacity but also his social life, marital life, self-esteem, and future prospects.
The court noted that the bus was being driven recklessly near a public bus stop since the driver was operating the government-owned vehicle during the course of his employment. This led to the Sindh government being held responsible for the negligent actions of its employee.
