The petitioner, Oriental Insurance, had moved the High Court against an application by Shivanna, a lathe machine worker, seeking a compensation of Rs 3.72 lakh, claiming that his left hand had been amputated following an accident.
Shivanna had stated that a speeding biker had knocked him down and that he had been admitted to Tumkur General Hospital on June 3, 2003. The following day, he stated further, he was taken to a private hospital in Bangalore where his hand was amputated on June 5, and discharged the next day.
However, on verification, it was found that there was no police complaint lodged against motorist Umesh, who according to the petitioner, was the man behind his plight. Police investigation revealed that the accident was fake.
During hearing, Shivanna spilled the beans and apologised to the court through an affidavit. In his submission, he said he had lost his arm after it got stuck in a lathe machine and that he had falsely accused Umesh, his factory owner, of being responsible for his plight.
The division bench also directed the Principal Secretary, the Health and Family Welfare Department, to initiate action against doctors who issue false medical certificates.
