In Brief
A 7-year-old boy was fatally struck by an uninsured motorcycle driven without a valid licence. The Motor Accidents Claims Tribunal awarded Rs. 2,25,000 based on statutory notional income of Rs. 15,000 per annum (unchanged since 1994). The High Court added Rs. 15,000 for funeral expenses. The Supreme Court held that the fixed notional income must be enhanced to account for inflation and cost of living. Revising the notional income to Rs. 25,000 per annum and adding heads for filial consortium and funeral expenses, the Court awarded total compensation of Rs. 4,70,000 with 6% interest, payable by the insurance company with right of recovery from the vehicle owner.
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