In Brief
A 20-year-old unmarried woman died in a motor vehicle accident in 2009. Her parents claimed compensation but the lower courts awarded only Rs. 10.40 lakh using an incorrect multiplier of 11 (based on the mother's age). The Supreme Court held that the multiplier must be based on the deceased's age (20 years = multiplier 18), not the parents'. The Court also mandated inclusion of 40% future prospects, loss of estate (Rs. 15,000), and Rs. 40,000 per parent for loss of consortium. Total compensation was enhanced by Rs. 13.48 lakh.
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