In Brief
A widow and children sought compensation after the head of household died in a road accident caused by a negligently driven government Jeep. The Motor Accident Claims Tribunal awarded Rs. 1,15,200 based on an assessed monthly income of Rs. 1,200; the High Court increased it to Rs. 1,85,000 with a higher multiplier but lowered interest. The Supreme Court held that the income had been assessed too conservatively and should be Rs. 2,500 per month; for a 38-year-old, the multiplier should be 16; and interest should be 9% per annum. The Court recomputed total compensation at Rs. 5,23,000.
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