The Supreme Court of India, on August 6, 2025, modified a Karnataka High Court ruling in the case of Lokesh B vs. Suryanarayana Raju Jaggiraju & Another, enhancing the total compensation awarded to a tailor injured in a road accident from ₹13.44 lakh to ₹16,60,891.
The accident occurred on 19 November 2016, around 6:00 AM, on the Peenya flyover in Bengaluru. The appellant, Lokesh B, a 38-year-old tailor, was driving an Omni car (KA-52-M-4021) when it collided with a lorry (AP-04-TX-4507) parked in the middle of the road without reflectors or indicators.
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Due to the crash, Lokesh suffered multiple serious injuries including:
- Skull fractures and frontal hemorrhage
- Optic nerve trauma resulting in partial vision loss
- Fractures in both wrists
He was initially treated at Premier Sanjeevini Hospital and later admitted to Sparsh Hospital, where he remained hospitalized until 5 December 2016.
- The Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT) fixed his monthly income at ₹8,000, applied a 15-year multiplier, and assessed disability at 35%.
- A total compensation of ₹17,01,140 was awarded, which was reduced to ₹13,60,912 after 20% contributory negligence was deducted.
- On appeal, the High Court of Karnataka revised the monthly income to ₹9,500 but excluded future prospects and maintained the 35% disability.
- This resulted in a total award of ₹13,44,712 after applying the 20% deduction.
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The only issue before the Supreme Court was whether the High Court erred in not considering future prospects and in fixing a lower disability percentage.
"We find merit in the appellant’s submission on both counts." – Justice Aravind Kumar
- Monthly income of ₹9,500 was accepted by both parties and affirmed.
- Citing precedents like Santosh Devi v. National Insurance Co. and Pranay Sethi v. National Insurance Co., the Court granted 40% addition towards future prospects even for a self-employed person.
- The disability was revised to 41.77%, based on neuropsychologist Dr. Prathibha Sharan’s unrebutted evidence using the validated NIMHANS battery test.
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Revised Compensation Breakdown
| Head | Amount (₹) |
|---|---|
| Loss of Future Earning Capacity | 9,99,974 |
| Medical Expenses | 8,18,140 |
| Pain and Suffering | 75,000 |
| Attendant & Conveyance | 20,000 |
| Loss of Income During Treatment | 38,000 |
| Loss of Amenities | 1,25,000 |
| Total | 20,76,114 |
| Less 20% Contributory Negligence | 4,15,223 |
| Net Payable | ₹16,60,891 |
“The compensation shall carry interest at 6% per annum from the date of the claim petition till the date of payment or deposit.” – Supreme Court of India
The Court directed Shriram General Insurance Co. Ltd. to deposit the enhanced amount within six weeks before the jurisdictional tribunal. Any previous payments shall be adjusted.
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The Supreme Court modified the High Court’s judgment and disposed of the appeal. It also directed the Registry to forward a copy of the judgment to the MACT, Bengaluru, and the Registrar General of the Karnataka High Court for compliance.
“Appeal stands disposed of. No order as to costs.” – Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia and Justice Aravind Kumar
Case Title: Lokesh B vs. Suryanarayana Raju Jaggiraju & Another
Case Type: Civil Appeal Nos.....of 2025
(Arising out of SLP (C) Nos. 22050-22051 of 2023)
Date of Judgment: 6 August 2025
