In Brief
A widow and three minor children, along with the deceased's parents, sought compensation for a fatal motor vehicle accident on 24 November 2012. The Motor Accidents Claims Tribunal awarded Rs. 21.07 lakhs, but the High Court reduced it to Rs. 13.08 lakhs, citing lower income estimates. The Supreme Court found the reduction unjustified, as the deceased worked as both a school bus driver and owned a lorry with goods carriage permit. The Court enhanced compensation to Rs. 20 lakhs with 7.5% interest per annum, holding that courts must consider all income sources when assessing compensation, not just documented salary."
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