In a landmark judgment delivered on 29th July 2025, the Supreme Court of India significantly increased the compensation awarded to S. Mohammed Hakkim, a 20-year-old engineering student, who suffered amputation of his left leg in a tragic road accident. The Court revised the earlier High Court award of ₹58.53 lakhs and restored the compensation to ₹91.39 lakhs, considering a more balanced view on contributory negligence and justified loss of future income.
Background of the Case
The accident occurred on 7th January 2017. Hakkim was riding his motorcycle with a pillion passenger when the car ahead suddenly braked. As a result, his bike hit the car from behind, and a bus following them ran over him, causing life-altering injuries.
“The root cause of the accident is the sudden brakes applied by the car driver, which on a highway without warning is unjustifiable,” the Court stated.
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The car was insured by Respondent No. 3 and the bus by Respondent No. 1 (National Insurance Co. Ltd).
- The Motor Accident Claims Tribunal had awarded ₹91.62 lakhs but reduced it by 20% due to the appellant’s contributory negligence, resulting in ₹73.29 lakhs.
- The Madras High Court, on appeal, further reduced this amount to ₹58.53 lakhs by:
- Changing the negligence ratio: 30% on Hakkim, 30% on bus driver, and 40% on car driver.
- Reducing attendant charges from ₹18 lakhs to ₹5 lakhs.
- Allowing ₹5 lakhs for future medical expenses.
The Supreme Court found faults in both lower court decisions:
- Negligence Ratio Revised:
- Appellant (Hakkim): 20%
- Car Driver: 50%
- Bus Driver: 30%
- Notional Income Increased:
Considering the student’s engineering background and future prospects, his notional monthly income was set at ₹20,000, not ₹15,000 as earlier calculated.
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“An engineering student would reasonably earn at least ₹20,000 per month in future,” the Court observed, citing Navjot Singh v. Harpreet Singh.
- Multiplier: 18
- Future Prospects: 40%
- Total Income Loss: ₹60.48 lakhs
Revised Compensation Breakdown
| Head | Amount |
|---|---|
| Loss of Income | ₹60,48,000 |
| Attendant Charges | ₹18,00,000 |
| Pain and Suffering | ₹2,00,000 |
| Loss of Marital Prospects | ₹5,00,000 |
| Discomfort | ₹1,00,000 |
| Extra Nourishment | ₹50,000 |
| Medical Bills | ₹22,03,066 |
| Transportation | ₹20,000 |
| Damage to Clothing | ₹3,000 |
| Future Medical Expenses | ₹5,00,000 |
| Total Compensation | ₹1,14,24,066 |
After deducting 20% for contributory negligence, final amount awarded: ₹91,39,253 with 7.5% interest per annum from the date of filing.
“The compensation shall be paid within four weeks from this order. The liability shall be borne 50% by the car’s insurer and 30% by the bus’s insurer.”
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This judgment reinforces the responsibility of drivers on highways and upholds the rightful compensation for young victims facing life-altering injuries due to others’ negligence.
Case Title: S. Mohammed Hakkim vs National Insurance Co. Ltd. & Others
Case Number: Special Leave Petition (Civil) No(s). 28062–63 of 2023