Punjab and Haryana High Court Doubles Compensation to Over Rs 1 Crore
The Punjab and Haryana High Court recently made a landmark decision. It doubled the compensation awarded to a family in a motor accident case. The total amount now exceeds Rs 1 crore. This ruling came after the family challenged a previous tribunal order.
Court Recognizes Homemaker's Multifaceted Role
Justice Sudeepti Sharma delivered the judgment. She emphasized the invaluable contribution of homemakers. The court stated that a homemaker's work goes far beyond simple caretaking. It includes financial planning, grocery procurement, child education, and household management.
"The services of a homemaker, if procured in the open market, would command substantial remuneration," the order noted. This underscores the integral role homemakers play in family stability.
Notional Income Raised to Rs 15,000 Per Month
The court reassessed the victim's notional income. Previously, it was set at a lower amount. Considering sustained inflation and rising living costs, the court found it appropriate to raise this figure. The new notional income stands at Rs 15,000 per month.
This adjustment reflects jurisprudential acknowledgment of homemakers' economic contributions. The court referenced earlier cases, like Jasbir Singh's, where notional income was lower. However, given the accident occurred in 2014, an update was deemed necessary.
Details of the Accident and Injuries
The case stemmed from a motor vehicle accident on October 8, 2014. The victim, a homemaker, suffered severe head injuries. She had multiple hemorrhagic contusions. Following the accident, she remained in a total vegetative state. She depended on a ventilator and pipe feeding until her death on November 21, 2017.
The court observed that the victim endured immense pain and agony. Her permanent disability impaired both cognitive and physical abilities. It also led to non-quantifiable implications, including loss of dignity and normal companionship.
Compensation Breakdown and Enhancements
In December 2016, the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal granted Rs 58.22 lakh to the family. The High Court found this award insufficient on several counts:
- The tribunal assessed the victim's income too low.
- It awarded inadequate compensation for pain and suffering.
- It failed to add prospects to the victim's income.
The High Court made the following enhancements:
- Granted Rs 15 lakh under the head of pain and suffering.
- Awarded Rs 8 lakh for attendant charges, considering the victim's age and disability.
- Added 40% as prospects to the victim's income, as per settled law.
Consequently, the total compensation was modified from Rs 58.22 lakh to Rs 1.18 crore.
Broader Implications of the Ruling
This judgment sets a significant precedent. It legally acknowledges the economic value of homemakers' unpaid labor. By raising the notional income, the court aligns compensation with contemporary living costs and inflation.
The decision also highlights the need for tribunals to properly assess non-quantifiable damages. These include pain, suffering, and loss of dignity. The court's detailed reasoning may influence future motor accident claims and similar cases.
Families of victims can now seek fairer compensation. They can cite this ruling to argue for higher notional incomes and comprehensive damage assessments.
