In Brief
A bus operated by Jammu and Kashmir State Road Transport Corporation fell into the Chenab River due to rash and negligent driving, killing a 32-year-old passenger, Head Constable Sudesh Kumar. The victim's wife and children sought enhanced compensation. The Supreme Court allowed the appeal in part, holding that the Motor Accidents Claims Tribunal and High Court failed to apply the 50% future prospects addition (as mandated by the Pranay Sethi Constitution Bench decision) to the multiplicand for permanent government employees below age 40. The Court recalculated compensation to Rs. 10,29,260, including increased loss-of-dependency, funeral expenses, loss of estate, and capped loss of consortium and parental consortium awards per statutory limits.
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