In Brief
K. Sivaraman and family members appealed against the High Court's enhancement of compensation under the Employee's Compensation Act, 1923 for the death of Dinesh Kumar in a 2008 accident. The High Court awarded Rs. 8,86,120 based on a 2010 government notification increasing the statutory wage ceiling from Rs. 4,000 to Rs. 8,000 per month. The Supreme Court clarified that amendments enhancing compensation do not apply retrospectively to pre-amendment accidents. However, exercising its inherent powers under Article 142 for complete justice, the Court dismissed the appeal without disturbing the High Court's award, confirming the compensation at Rs. 8,86,120 with 12% annual interest from the accident date.
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