In Brief
A 21-year-old B.E. student died in a motor accident. The claims tribunal awarded Rs. 12,85,000 as compensation, but the High Court reduced it to Rs. 6,10,000, assessing the deceased's hypothetical income at Rs. 5,000 per month. The Supreme Court held that such assessment was too low given the deceased's educational qualification and bright future. The Court awarded Rs. 15,82,000, applying an estimated income of Rs. 10,000 per month plus 40% addition for future prospects (Rs. 14,000 total), with the multiplier of 18 based on the deceased's age. The Court rejected the Union's argument that acceptance of the High Court's award precluded enhanced compensation, holding that claimants retain the right to claim just compensation under the benevolent Motor Vehicles Act.
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