In Brief
A 22-year-old Merchant Navy trainee sustained 50% permanent disability to his right arm in a motor accident in 2000. The Motor Accident Claims Tribunal awarded Rs. 6.6 lakh; the High Court enhanced it to Rs. 8.8 lakh. The Supreme Court held that compensation must be separately quantified under heads including treatment expenses, lost earnings, future medical costs, and non-pecuniary damages (pain, suffering, loss of marriage prospects). Considering the appellant's ruined career prospects and young age, the Court enhanced compensation to Rs. 22 lakh with 8% interest per annum from the claim date.
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