The Supreme Court enhanced the compensation payable to a 14-year-old boy who suffered 77.1% permanent disability in a motor accident, awarding a total of ₹15,13,337 with interest at 8% per annum. The bench comprising Justice K. Vinod Chandran and Justice N.V. Anjaria modified the Kerala High Court’s order, which had previously enhanced the Tribunal’s award.
The accident occurred in April 2002 when the minor, a 7th standard student, sustained serious injuries while travelling in an autorickshaw that was hit by a lorry. The Motor Accident Claims Tribunal had awarded ₹1.73 lakh, which was later enhanced by the High Court. The High Court emphasised that medical bills alone do not capture the full scope of treatment costs and that additional sums must account for incidental and future medical needs.
The Supreme Court, while considering a further enhancement, referred to its decision in Sona (Minor) v. Manual C.M., Civil Appeal No. 002316 of 2025, and applied guiding precedent in National Insurance Company Limited vs. Pranay Sethi & Others, (2017) 16 SCC 680.
Taking the monthly income at ₹3,620 and adding 40% towards future prospects with a multiplier of 15, the Court computed loss of earning capacity at ₹7,03,337. It awarded ₹3 lakh each towards pain and suffering and loss of marriage prospects, ₹80,000 for loss of amenities, ₹40,000 for attendant charges, ₹40,000 towards special diet and transportation, and ₹50,000 for future medical expenses. Reference was made to Sidram v. Divisional Manager, United India Insurance Ltd., (2023) 3 SCC 439, and K.S. Muralidhar v. R. Subbulakshmi & Anr, 2024 SCC Online SC 3385.
Supreme Court, subsequently directed the insurer to deposit the enhanced compensation with accrued interest within eight weeks.
Appearances
Appellant- Mr. Krishna Dev Jagarlamudi, Adv. Mr. Nishe Rajen Shonker, AOR Mrs. Anu K Joy, Adv. Mr. Alim Anvar, Adv. Mrs. Devika A.L., Adv. Mr. Santhosh K, Adv.
Respondent- Sunder Lal Gupta, Adv. Mr. Varinder Kumar Sharma, AOR Sanathana Bhaarath, Adv. Asutosh Sharma, Adv. Mrs. Gunjan Sharma, Adv.
