Hansraj v. Mukesh Nath, 2026 INSC 454 - Motor Accident Compensation
Motor Accident Compensation - Motor accident claim where a 14‑year‑old pillion rider suffered 100% permanent disability and challenged the limited enhancement granted by the Rajasthan High Court. The Supreme Court recalculated notional income on the basis of minimum wages, applied 40% future prospects and multiplier 18, substantially enhanced attendant charges using minimum wages for two full‑time attendants, and increased amounts for pain and suffering, future medical expenses, loss of marriage prospects, and special diet/transport. The Court ultimately fixed total compensation at ₹56,83,663 with 6% interest from the claim petition date, directed structured disbursal and investment of most attendant‑charges, and modified the High Court’s judgment accordingly.
Case Info
Case Information Extracted
Case name and neutral citation:Hansraj v. Mukesh Nath & Ors, 2026 INSC 454 (Civil Appeal arising out of SLP(C) No.13122 of 2024)
Coram:Justice J.K. Maheshwari and Justice Atul S. Chandurkar
Judgment date:6 May 2026 (NEW DELHI, MAY 6, 2026)
Statutes / laws referred:
- Motor Vehicles Act, 1988
- Section 166 (claim petition)
- Section 173 (appeal before High Court)
Caselaws and citations referred:
- Kumari Laxmisree v. The Managing Director, KSRCTC Depot, Bengaluru, C.A. No.4493 of 2025, judgment dated 05.03.2025
- Hitesh Nagjibhai Patel v. Bababhai Nagjibhai Rabari & Anr, 2025 INSC 1070
- Kajal v. Jagdish Chand & Ors, 2020 INSC 135
- Baby Sakshi Greola v. Manzoor Ahmad Simon & Anr, 2024 INSC 963
Three‑sentence brief summary:This appeal arose from a motor accident claim where a 14‑year‑old pillion rider suffered 100% permanent disability and challenged the limited enhancement granted by the Rajasthan High Court. The Supreme Court recalculated notional income on the basis of minimum wages, applied 40% future prospects and multiplier 18, substantially enhanced attendant charges using minimum wages for two full‑time attendants, and increased amounts for pain and suffering, future medical expenses, loss of marriage prospects, and special diet/transport. The Court ultimately fixed total compensation at ₹56,83,663 with 6% interest from the claim petition date, directed structured disbursal and investment of most attendant‑charges, and modified the High Court’s judgment accordingly.