In Brief
A widow and five children appealed for enhanced compensation following the death of their 47-year-old breadwinner in a 1991 motor accident. The deceased earned Rs. 8,890 per month (after tax) and had seven dependents. The High Court had awarded Rs. 13,31,800; the Supreme Court increased this to Rs. 16,42,376. The Court revised the personal expense deduction from one-quarter to one-fifth, added 30% for future salary prospects, applied a multiplier of 13 to lost earnings, and upheld customary awards for loss of consortium and loss of affection. The total included Rs. 1,00,000 for funeral expenses and loss of estate. Simple interest at 8% per annum was ordered from the date the claim was filed until payment.
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