The Supreme Court has substantially increased the compensation awarded to a Rajasthan teenager who suffered 100% permanent disability in a road accident at the age of 14, observing that the amount granted earlier by the High Court was inadequate considering the lifelong impact of the injuries.
A Bench of Justice J.K. Maheshwari and Justice Atul S. Chandurkar enhanced the compensation from about ₹12.17 lakh to ₹56.83 lakh, including lifelong attendant expenses and future medical treatment.
Background of the Case
The case arose from a motor accident that took place on November 8, 2016, on Mundoita Kalawar Road in Rajasthan. The appellant, Hansraj, was travelling as a pillion rider on a motorcycle when it allegedly hit the rear side of a tractor trolley due to negligent driving.
The boy sustained severe injuries to his neck, head and backbone and remained hospitalised for around 203 days. The injuries ultimately resulted in 100% permanent disability.
He had approached the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal seeking compensation of ₹22.45 lakh. The Tribunal awarded ₹7.76 lakh, which was later enhanced by the Rajasthan High Court to ₹12.17 lakh. Dissatisfied with the amount, he moved the Supreme Court seeking further enhancement.
The Supreme Court noted that the High Court had assessed the teenager’s notional annual income at ₹30,000, which the Bench found to be “on a lower side.”
The Bench held that compensation should be calculated on the basis of minimum wages payable to a skilled worker in Rajasthan in 2016. Taking the monthly income at ₹5,800 and applying future prospects along with the multiplier method, the Court recalculated the loss of income at ₹17.53 lakh.
The Court also took note of the appellant’s permanent condition and the need for round-the-clock assistance.
“The appellant having suffered permanent disability, he would require the assistance of two attendants round the clock,” the Bench observed while enhancing attendant charges to ₹21.60 lakh.
The judges further held that the compensation for pain, suffering and loss of amenities deserved significant enhancement due to the seriousness of the injuries and the impact on the appellant’s future life.
The Court ultimately fixed the total compensation at ₹56,83,663 with 6% annual interest from the date of filing of the claim petition until actual payment.
Apart from loss of income and attendant charges, the compensation included amounts towards mental pain and suffering, future medical expenses, loss of marriage prospects, special diet and transportation.
The Bench also directed that 75% of the amount awarded towards attendant charges be kept in a fixed deposit so that the injured claimant’s future care needs could be met regularly.
The appeal was accordingly allowed and the Rajasthan High Court’s April 9, 2024 judgment was modified.
Case Details
Case Title: Hansraj v. Mukesh Nath and Others
Case Number: Civil Appeal arising out of SLP(C) No. 13122 of 2024
Judges: Justice J.K. Maheshwari and Justice Atul S. Chandurkar
Decision Date: May 6, 2026
