In Brief
A 20-year-old air hostess trainee died in a motor vehicle accident. Her parents claimed compensation from the insurance company. The lower courts awarded Rs. 10.40 lakh using a multiplier of 11 (based on the mother's age). The Supreme Court held that the multiplier should reflect the deceased's age (20 years = multiplier 18), and enhanced compensation by adding 40% for future income prospects, separate loss-of-consortium payments to each parent, and loss of estate. Total enhanced compensation: Rs. 13.48 lakh, plus interest. The appeal was allowed.
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