In Brief
The appellant widow and children of a deceased worker sought enhancement of motor accident compensation. The deceased, aged 47, earned Rs. 10,290 monthly with seven dependents (wife, five children, and mother). The High Court had awarded Rs. 13,31,800. The Supreme Court enhanced the award to Rs. 16,42,376 by correcting the personal expense deduction from 1/4th to 1/5th (more appropriate for six dependents), confirming the 30% future prospects addition and multiplier of 13, and upholding customary heads (loss of consortium Rs. 50,000, loss of love and affection Rs. 50,000, funeral expenses Rs. 1,00,000). The compensation carries 8% annual interest from petition filing date.
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