The Court held that the compensation awarded by the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal and the Rajasthan High Court was grossly inadequate, considering the claimant’s lifelong disability, future care needs and loss of amenities.
Supreme Court Allows Appeal By Injured Claimant
The Supreme Court has enhanced compensation to ₹56.83 lakh for a boy who suffered 100% permanent disability in a road accident when he was 14 years old.
A Bench comprising Justice J.K. Maheshwari and Justice Atul S. Chandurkar allowed the appeal filed by Hansraj, who had challenged the compensation awarded to him in connection with the 2016 accident.
Claimant Suffered Serious Injuries As Pillion Rider
Hansraj was travelling as a pillion rider on a motorcycle when the vehicle struck the rear portion of a tractor trolley.
He sustained grievous injuries to his neck, head and backbone. He remained hospitalised for around 203 days and was eventually left with 100% permanent disability.
Tribunal And High Court Awards Found Inadequate
The Motor Accident Claims Tribunal had initially awarded compensation of ₹7.76 lakh.
The Rajasthan High Court later enhanced the amount to ₹12.17 lakh. However, dissatisfied with the limited enhancement, the claimant approached the Supreme Court seeking higher compensation.
Court Recalculates Loss Of Income
The Supreme Court held that the High Court had adopted an unduly low notional income of ₹30,000 per annum.
The Bench observed that the income should have been assessed on the basis of the minimum wages payable to a skilled worker in Rajasthan in 2016.
Accordingly, the Court took the monthly notional income as ₹5,800, added 40% future prospects, and applied a multiplier of 18. On this basis, it recalculated the loss of income at ₹17.53 lakh.
Attendant Charges Enhanced For Lifelong Care
The Court also substantially increased the amount towards attendant charges. It noted that the claimant would require round-the-clock assistance from two attendants for the rest of his life.
Relying on its earlier decision in Kajal v. Jagdish Chand, the Bench awarded ₹21.60 lakh towards attendant charges.
“Insofar as mental pain and suffering alongwith loss of amenities is concerned, the amount ₹10,00,000/- can be awarded,” the Court observed.
Final Compensation Fixed At ₹56.83 Lakh
The Supreme Court awarded compensation under the following heads:
| Head of Compensation | Amount |
| Loss of income | ₹17.53 lakh |
| Attendant charges | ₹21.60 lakh |
| Pain and suffering and loss of amenities | ₹10 lakh |
| Future medical expenses | ₹3 lakh |
| Loss of marriage prospects | ₹3 lakh |
| Special diet and transportation expenses | ₹1 lakh |
The total compensation was enhanced to ₹56.83 lakh.
Interest And Fixed Deposit Direction
The Court directed that the compensation shall carry interest at 6% per annum from the date of filing of the claim petition till actual payment.
It further ordered that 75% of the amount awarded towards attendant charges be invested in a fixed deposit, so that the claimant’s future care expenses can be met.
Case: Hansraj v. Mukesh Nath & Ors
Citation: 2026 LiveLaw (SC) 468
