In Brief
A motor accident victim sustained severe spinal and hip injuries resulting in complete paralysis and loss of sensation below the abdomen, preventing him from working as a laborer. The trial tribunal awarded ₹11.27 lakh compensation with 12% interest, but the High Court reduced interest to 7.5% without justification. The Supreme Court held the disability should be assessed as complete, not 70%, and restored a deducted amount of ₹3 lakh. It also increased interest to 9% per annum from the claim petition date, holding such awards require proper reasoning. The appeal was allowed and the differential amount was ordered paid within 8 weeks.
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