Wasim Ali vs Davinder Singh And Ors on 17 April, 2026

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    Punjab-Haryana High Court

    Wasim Ali vs Davinder Singh And Ors on 17 April, 2026

    Author: Sudeepti Sharma

    Bench: Sudeepti Sharma

                                                                   -1-
                   FAO-2034-2013 (O&M)
    
    
                                            IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB & HARYANA
                                                        AT CHANDIGARH
    
                                                                   FAO-2034-2013 (O&M)
    
    
                   WASIM                                                       ......Appellant
    
                                                             Vs.
    
                   DAVINDER SINGH AND ORS.                                     ......Respondents
    
                                                                   Reserved on: 16.04.2026
                                                                   Pronounced on : 17.04.2026
                                                                   Uploaded on: 22.04.2026
    
                   Whether only the operative part of the judgment is pronounced?                  NO
                   Whether full judgment is pronounced?                                            YES
    
                   CORAM: HON'BLE MRS. JUSTICE SUDEEPTI SHARMA
    
                   Present:                Mr. Vishesh Jain, Advocate
                                           Ms. Aarzoo Soni, Advocate
                                           for the appellant.
    
                                           Mr. Sandeep Suri, Advocate
                                           for respondent No.3-Insurance Company.
                                                                   ****
    

    SUDEEPTI SHARMA J.

    1. The present appeal has been preferred against the award dated

    SPONSORED

    08.11.2012 passed in the claim petition filed under Section 166 of the Motor

    Vehicles Act, 1988 (in short ‘1988 Act’), by the learned Motor Accident Claims

    Tribunal, Chandigarh (in short ‘the Tribunal’) for enhancement of compensation,

    granted to the appellant/claimant to the tune of Rs.2,37,037/- along with interest

    @ 7.5 % per annum on account of injuries sustained by the appellant/claimant –

    Wasim in a motor vehicular accident, occurred on 09.12.2007.

    2. As sole issue for determination in the present appeal is confined to

    quantum of compensation awarded by the learned Tribunal, a detailed narration of

    MOHD AYUB
    2026.04.22 17:47
    I attest to the accuracy and
    authenticity of this order/judgment.

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    FAO-2034-2013 (O&M)

    the facts of the case is not required to be reproduced and is skipped herein for the

    sake of brevity.

    SUBMISSIONS OF THE LEARNED COUNSELS FOR THE PARTIES

    3. The learned counsel for the appellant/claimant contends that the

    compensation awarded by the learned Tribunal is on the lower side and deserves

    to be enhanced. Therefore, he prays that the present appeal be allowed and the

    compensation awarded to the appellant/claimant be enhanced, as per latest law.

    4. Per contra, learned counsel for the respondent No.3-Insurance

    Company, however, vehemently argues on the lines of the award and contends that

    the amount of compensation as assessed by Ld. Tribunal, has rightly been granted

    to the appellant/claimant. Therefore, he prays for dismissal of the present appeal.

    5. I have heard learned counsel for the parties and perused the whole

    record of this case with their able assistance.

    SETTLED LAW ON COMPENSATION

    6. Hon’ble Supreme Court has settled the law regarding grant of

    compensation with respect to the disability. The Apex Court in the case of Raj

    Kumar Vs. Ajay Kumar and Another (2011) 1 Supreme Court Cases 343, has

    held as under:-

    General principles relating to compensation in injury cases

    5. The provision of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 (‘Act’ for short)
    makes it clear that the award must be just, which means that
    compensation should, to the extent possible, fully and adequately
    restore the claimant to the position prior to the accident. The object
    of awarding damages is to make good the loss suffered as a result of
    wrong done as far as money can do so, in a fair, reasonable and
    equitable manner. The court or tribunal shall have to assess the
    damages objectively and exclude from consideration any speculation
    or fancy, though some conjecture with reference to the nature of
    disability and its consequences, is inevitable. A person is not only to
    be compensated for the physical injury, but also for the loss which he
    suffered as a result of such injury. This means that he is to be

    MOHD AYUB
    2026.04.22 17:47
    I attest to the accuracy and
    authenticity of this order/judgment.

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    FAO-2034-2013 (O&M)

    compensated for his inability to lead a full life, his inability to enjoy
    those normal amenities which he would have enjoyed but for the
    injuries, and his inability to earn as much as he used to earn or could
    have earned. (See C.K. Subramonia Iyer v. T. Kunhikuttan Nair, AIR
    1970 Supreme Court 376, R.D. Hattangadi v. Pest Control (India)
    Ltd.
    , 1995 (1) SCC 551 and Baker v. Willoughby, 1970 AC 467).

    6. The heads under which compensation is awarded in personal
    injury cases are the following :

    Pecuniary damages (Special Damages)

    (i) Expenses relating to treatment, hospitalization, medicines,
    transportation, nourishing food, and miscellaneous expenditure.

    (ii) Loss of earnings (and other gains) which the injured would have
    made had he not been injured, comprising :

    (a) Loss of earning during the period of treatment;

    (b) Loss of future earnings on account of permanent disability.

    (iii) Future medical expenses. Non-pecuniary damages (General
    Damages)

    (iv) Damages for pain, suffering and trauma as a consequence of the
    injuries.

    (v) Loss of amenities (and/or loss of prospects of marriage).

    (vi) Loss of expectation of life (shortening of normal longevity).

    In routine personal injury cases, compensation will be awarded only
    under heads (i), (ii)(a) and (iv). It is only in serious cases of injury,
    where there is specific medical evidence corroborating the evidence
    of the claimant, that compensation will be granted under any of the
    heads (ii)(b), (iii), (v) and (vi) relating to loss of future earnings on
    account of permanent disability, future medical expenses, loss of
    amenities (and/or loss of prospects of marriage) and loss of
    expectation of life.

    xxx xxx xxx xxx

    19. We may now summarise the principles discussed above :

    (i) All injuries (or permanent disabilities arising from injuries), do
    not result in loss of earning capacity.

    (ii) The percentage of permanent disability with reference to the
    whole body of a person, cannot be assumed to be the percentage of
    loss of earning capacity. To put it differently, the percentage of loss of
    earning capacity is not the same as the percentage of permanent
    disability (except in a few cases, where the Tribunal on the basis of
    evidence, concludes that percentage of loss of earning capacity is the
    same as percentage of permanent disability).

    (iii) The doctor who treated an injured-claimant or who examined
    him subsequently to assess the extent of his permanent disability can
    give evidence only in regard the extent of permanent disability. The
    loss of earning capacity is something that will have to be assessed by
    the Tribunal with reference to the evidence in entirety.

    (iv) The same permanent disability may result in different
    percentages of loss of earning capacity in different persons,
    depending upon the nature of profession, occupation or job, age,
    education and other factors.

    MOHD AYUB
    2026.04.22 17:47
    I attest to the accuracy and

    authenticity of this order/judgment.

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    FAO-2034-2013 (O&M)

    20. The assessment of loss of future earnings is explained below
    with reference to the following
    Illustration ‘A’ : The injured, a workman, was aged 30 years and
    earning Rs. 3000/- per month at the time of accident. As per Doctor’s
    evidence, the permanent disability of the limb as a consequence of
    the injury was 60% and the consequential permanent disability to the
    person was quantified at 30%. The loss of earning capacity is
    however assessed by the Tribunal as 15% on the basis of evidence,
    because the claimant is continued in employment, but in a lower
    grade. Calculation of compensation will be as follows:

    a) Annual income before the accident : Rs. 36,000/-.

    b) Loss of future earning per annum
    (15% of the prior annual income) : Rs. 5400/-.

    c) Multiplier applicable with reference to age : 17

    d) Loss of future earnings : (5400 x 17) : Rs. 91,800/-

    Illustration ‘B’ : The injured was a driver aged 30 years, earning Rs.
    3000/- per month. His hand is amputated and his permanent
    disability is assessed at 60%. He was terminated from his job as he
    could no longer drive. His chances of getting any other employment
    was bleak and even if he got any job, the salary was likely to be a
    pittance. The Tribunal therefore assessed his loss of future earning
    capacity as 75%. Calculation of compensation will be as follows :

    a) Annual income prior to the accident : Rs. 36,000/- .

    b) Loss of future earning per annum
    (75% of the prior annual income) : Rs. 27000/-.

    c) Multiplier applicable with reference to age : 17

    d) Loss of future earnings : (27000 x 17) : Rs. 4,59,000/-

    Illustration ‘C’ : The injured was 25 years and a final year
    Engineering student. As a result of the accident, he was in coma for
    two months, his right hand was amputated and vision was affected.
    The permanent disablement was assessed as 70%. As the injured was
    incapacitated to pursue his chosen career and as he required the
    assistance of a servant throughout his life, the loss of future earning
    capacity was also assessed as 70%. The calculation of compensation
    will be as follows :

    a) Minimum annual income he would
    have got if had been employed as an
    Engineer : Rs. 60,000/-

    b) Loss of future earning per annum
    (70% of the expected annual income) : Rs. 42000/-

    c) Multiplier applicable (25 years) : 18

    d) Loss of future earnings : (42000 x 18) : Rs. 7,56,000/-

    [Note : The figures adopted in illustrations (A) and (B) are
    hypothetical. The figures in Illustration (C) however are based on
    actuals taken from the decision in Arvind Kumar Mishra (supra)].

    MOHD AYUB
    2026.04.22 17:47
    I attest to the accuracy and
    authenticity of this order/judgment.

    -5-

    FAO-2034-2013 (O&M)

    7. Hon’ble Supreme Court in the case of National Insurance Company

    Ltd. Vs. Pranay Sethi & Ors. [(2017) 16 SCC 680] has clarified the law under

    Sections 166, 163-A and 168 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, on the following

    aspects:-

    (A) Deduction of personal and living expenses to determine
    multiplicand;

    (B) Selection of multiplier depending on age of deceased;
    (C) Age of deceased on basis for applying multiplier;
    (D) Reasonable figures on conventional heads, namely, loss of
    estate, loss of consortium and funeral expenses, with escalation;
    (E) Future prospects for all categories of persons and for different
    ages: with permanent job; self-employed or fixed salary.

    The relevant portion of the judgment is reproduced as under:-

    ” Therefore, we think it seemly to fix reasonable sums. It
    seems to us that reasonable figures on conventional heads,
    namely, loss of estate, loss of consortium and funeral expenses
    should be Rs.15,000, Rs.40,000 and Rs.15,000 respectively.
    The principle of revisiting the said heads is an acceptable
    principle. But the revisit should not be fact-centric or
    quantum-centric. We think that it would be condign that the
    amount that we have quantified should be enhanced on
    percentage basis in every three years and the enhancement
    should be at the rate of 10% in a span of three years. We are
    disposed to hold so because that will bring in consistency in
    respect of those heads.”

    8. Hon’ble Supreme Court in the case of Erudhaya Priya Vs. State

    Express Tran. Corpn. Ltd. 2020 ACJ 2159, has held as under:-

    ” 7. There are three aspects which are required to be examined by us:

    (a) the application of multiplier of ’17’ instead of ’18’;

    The aforesaid increase of multiplier is sought on the basis of
    age of the appellant as 23 years relying on the judgment in National
    Insurance Company Limited v. Pranay Sethi and Others
    , 2017 ACJ
    2700 (SC).
    In para 46 of the said judgment, the Constitution Bench
    effectively affirmed the multiplier method to be used as mentioned in
    the table in the case of Sarla Verma (Smt) and Others v. Delhi
    Transport Corporation and Another
    , 2009 ACJ 1298 (SC) . In the age
    group of 15-25 years, the multiplier has to be ’18’ along with
    factoring in the extent of disability.

    The aforesaid position is not really disputed by learned counsel
    for the respondent State Corporation and, thus, we come to the

    MOHD AYUB
    2026.04.22 17:47
    I attest to the accuracy and
    authenticity of this order/judgment.

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    FAO-2034-2013 (O&M)

    conclusion that the multiplier to be applied in the case of the
    appellant has to be ’18’ and not ’17’.

    (b) Loss of earning capacity of the appellant with permanent
    disability of 31.1%
    In respect of the aforesaid, the appellant has claimed
    compensation on what is stated to be the settled principle set out in
    Jagdish v. Mohan & Others, 2018 ACJ 1011 (SC) and Sandeep
    Khanuja v. Atul Dande & Another, 2017 ACJ 979 (SC).
    We extract
    below the principle set out in the Jagdish (supra) in para 8:

    “8. In assessing the compensation payable the settled
    principles need to be borne in mind. A victim who suffers a
    permanent or temporary disability occasioned by an accident
    is entitled to the award of compensation. The award of
    compensation must cover among others, the following aspects:

    (i) Pain, suffering and trauma resulting from the accident;

    (ii) Loss of income including future income;

    (iii) The inability of the victim to lead a normal life together
    with its amenities;

    (iv) Medical expenses including those that the victim may be
    required to undertake in future; and

    (v) Loss of expectation of life.”

    [emphasis supplied]
    The aforesaid principle has also been emphasized in an earlier
    judgment, i.e. the Sandeep Khanuja case (supra) opining that the
    multiplier method was logically sound and legally well established to
    quantify the loss of income as a result of death or permanent
    disability suffered in an accident.

    In the factual contours of the present case, if we examine the
    disability certificate, it shows the admission/hospitalization on 8
    occasions for various number of days over 1½ years from August
    2011 to January 2013. The nature of injuries had been set out as
    under:

    “Nature of injury:

    (i) compound fracture shaft left humerus

    (ii) fracture both bones left forearm

    (iii) compound fracture both bones right forearm

    (iv) fracture 3rd, 4th & 5th metacarpals right hand

    (v) subtrochanteric fracture right femur

    (vi) fracture shaft femur

    (vii) fracture both bones left leg
    We have also perused the photographs annexed to the
    petition showing the current physical state of the appellant,
    though it is stated by learned counsel for the respondent State
    Corporation that the same was not on record in the trial court.

    Be that as it may, this is the position even after treatment and
    the nature of injuries itself show their extent. Further, it has
    been opined in para 13 of Sandeep Khanuja case (supra) that
    while applying the multiplier method, future prospects on

    MOHD AYUB
    2026.04.22 17:47
    I attest to the accuracy and
    authenticity of this order/judgment.

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    FAO-2034-2013 (O&M)

    advancement in life and career are also to be taken into
    consideration.

    We are, thus, unequivocally of the view that there is
    merit in the contention of the appellant and the aforesaid
    principles with regard to future prospects must also be applied
    in the case of the appellant taking the permanent disability as
    31.1%. The quantification of the same on the basis of the
    judgment in National Insurance Co. Ltd. case (supra), more
    specifically para 61(iii), considering the age of the appellant,
    would be 50% of the actual salary in the present case.

    (c) The third and the last aspect is the interest rate claimed as
    12%
    In respect of the aforesaid, the appellant has watered
    down the interest rate during the course of hearing to 9% in
    view of the judicial pronouncements including in the Jagdish’s
    case (supra). On this aspect, once again, there was no serious
    dispute raised by the learned counsel for the respondent once
    the claim was confined to 9% in line with the interest rates
    applied by this Court.

    CONCLUSION

    8. The result of the aforesaid is that relying on the settled
    principles, the calculation of compensation by the appellant, as
    set out in para 5 of the synopsis, would have to be adopted as
    follows:

                                                           Heads                        Awarded
                                               Loss of earning power                 Rs. 9,81,978/-
                                               (Rs.14,648 x 12 x 31.1/100
                                               Future prospects (50 per cent         Rs.4,90,989/-
                                               addition)
                                               Medical expenses including            Rs.18,46,864/-
                                               transport         charges,
                                               nourishment, etc.
                                               Loss of matrimonial prospects         Rs.5,00,000/-
                                               Loss of comfort, loss of              Rs.1,50,000/-
                                               amenities and mental agony
                                               Pain and suffering                    Rs.2,00,000/-
                                                           Total                     Rs.41,69,831/-
    
    

    The appellant would, thus, be entitled to the compensation of

    Rs. 41,69,831/- as claimed along with simple interest at the rate of

    9% per annum from the date of application till the date of payment.

    MOHD AYUB
    2026.04.22 17:47
    I attest to the accuracy and
    authenticity of this order/judgment.

    -8-

    FAO-2034-2013 (O&M)

    9. A perusal of the award reveals that the appellant/claimant was 25

    years of age as per the disability certificate (Ex.C-52) and further stated to be

    working as a security guard at M/s Talwar Jewellery House, Sector-22,

    Chandigarh and was stated to be earning Rs.6,000/- per month, to substantiate the

    same salary certificate (Ex.C-56) was placed on record and the claimant/appellant

    has also Examined Sanjeev Kumar, Salesman-cum-Accountant of M/s Talwar

    Jewellery House, Sector-22, Chandigarh to prove the monthly income.

    10. However, learned Tribunal has erred in not relying upon the salary

    certificate (Ex.C-56) by stating that the same was found to be a bald document

    and unsupported by any corroborative evidence. It is pertinent to note that

    standard of proof in MACT is preponderance of proof further respondents have

    not examined any witness to challenge the veracity of salary certificate.

    Consequently, his income is assessed as Rs.6,000/- per month by relying upon the

    salary certificate.

    11. It is pertinent to note that the Hon’ble Supreme Court in

    KUBRABIBI & ORS. versus ORIENTAL INSURANCE CO LTD & ORS. 2023

    SCC Online SC 1855 has held that notional income is to be taken in the case of

    person working in an unorganised sector.

    12. The relevant portion of the same is reproduced as under:-

    “In a matter of the present nature where the compensation is
    sought and even in the absence of definite proof of the income,
    the social status of the deceased is to be kept in perspective
    where such persons are employed in unorganized sector and
    the notional income in any event is required to be taken into
    consideration.”

    MOHD AYUB
    2026.04.22 17:47
    I attest to the accuracy and

    authenticity of this order/judgment.

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    FAO-2034-2013 (O&M)

    13. Furthermore, it has come on record that the appellant/claimant has

    sustained various grievous injuries in the accident. Furthermore, disability

    certificate (Ex.C-52) shows 26% disability in relation to both lower limb.

    Furthermore, Sudesh Pebam (PW-2), Associate Professor, Department of Ortho,

    PGI, Chandigarh was also examined to prove the same. He categorically stated

    that disability is not likely to improve in future.

    14. A Perusal of the award reveals that the learned Tribunal has erred in

    not assessing the functional disability of the claimant/appellant. As per the record,

    he had difficulty in climbing stair and even walking. According to the disability

    certificate Ex.C-52, his disability was assessed as 26%. It is pertinent to mention

    here that he was working as a security guard and now he would not be able to

    discharge his duties of security guard, therefore, functional disability is to be

    reassessed.

    15. It is a settled principle of law that while determining compensation,

    the permanent disability and its impact on the victim’s earning capacity must be

    given due weight, rather than mechanically reducing the percentage of medical

    disability. In this regard, reliance is placed on the judgment of the Hon’ble

    Supreme Court in Rahul Ganpatrao Sable v. National Insurance Co. Ltd.

    2023(9) scale 970, wherein, the Apex Court held that in cases where the nature of

    the disability effectively incapacitates a person from pursuing any meaningful

    employment, the permanent disability must be evaluated in terms of the resultant

    loss of earning capacity, and not merely on the basis of medical assessment. The

    relevant portion of the judgment is reproduced as under:

    “14. The five injuries which are permanent in nature
    apparently make him unfit for any employment even though the
    MOHD AYUB
    2026.04.22 17:47
    I attest to the accuracy and
    authenticity of this order/judgment.

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    FAO-2034-2013 (O&M)

    disability may be 60% or 85%. The compression fractures of
    seven cervical vertebra resulting into Paraplegia and further
    loss of bladder function make it absolutely impossible for a
    person to work and be gainfully employed. Considering the
    nature of disability, loss of income, is, thus, held to be 100%
    and not 50% as held by the High Court.”

    16. Therefore, in order to serve the ends of justice, the functional

    disability of the claimant/appellant deserves to be assessed at 70%, and the

    compensation ought to be recalculated accordingly.

    17. A further perusal of the award reveals that the amount awarded

    towards future prospects was on the lower side and contrary to the settled law,

    therefore, an addition of 40% towards future prospects is required to be made.

    18. A further perusal of the record shows that the learned Tribunal has

    awarded the compensation on the lower side to the claimant under the heads of

    pain and suffering, which is required to be enhanced.

    19. It is trite that permanent disability suffered by an individual not only

    impairs his cognitive abilities and his physical facilities, but there are multiple

    non-quantifiable implications for the victim. Further, the very fact that healthy

    person turns into invalid being deprived of normal companionship and incapable

    of leading a productive life makes one suffer loss of dignity. As per the facts of the

    case the claimant suffered multiple and grievous injuries on his person. Due to the

    accident, the appellant/claimant has suffered injuries due to which permanent

    disability on both lower limbs has occurred. Furthermore, Sudesh Pebam (PW-2),

    Associate Professor, Department of Ortho, PGI, Chandigarh was examined to

    prove the disability certificate Ex.C-52. This fairly concludes the fact that the

    MOHD AYUB
    2026.04.22 17:47
    I attest to the accuracy and
    authenticity of this order/judgment.

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    FAO-2034-2013 (O&M)

    claimant have suffered immense amount of pain and agony due to the accident in

    question.

    20. The Hon’ble Apex Court in the case of ‘KS Muralidhar versus R

    Subbulakshmi and another 2024 INSC 886 highlighted the intangible but

    devastating consequence of pain and suffering. The relevant portion of the same is

    reproduce as under:-

    “15. Keeping in view the above-referred judgments, the injuries

    suffered, the `pain and suffering’ caused, and the life-long

    nature of the disability afflicted upon the claimant-appellant,

    and the statement of the Doctor as reproduced above, we find

    the request of the claimant-appellant to be justified and as

    such, award Rs.15,00,000/- under the head `pain and

    suffering’, fully conscious of the fact that the prayer of the

    claimant-appellant for enhancement of compensation was by a

    sum of Rs. 10,00,000/-, we find the compensation to be just,

    fair and reasonable at the amount so awarded.”

    21. Therefore, in view of the above judgment and facts and

    circumstances of the present case, this Court deems it appropriate to grant

    compensation of 4 lakhs under the heads of pain and suffering.

    22. Further perusal of the record shows that the appellant/claimant

    suffered various grievous injuries on his body including both the limbs, making

    his life miserable. As a result, he had to depend on others for his daily activities

    and likely to have employed an attendant to assist him for his physical

    movements. This Court has dealt with similar issue in case titled as Ajay Kumar

    MOHD AYUB
    2026.04.22 17:47
    I attest to the accuracy and
    authenticity of this order/judgment.

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    FAO-2034-2013 (O&M)

    vs. Jasbir Singh and others, passed in FAO No 1356-2007, decided on

    18.02.2025. The relevant portion of the same is reproduced as under:-

    “ATTENDANT CHARGES

    36. So far as attendant charges is concerned, the Hon’ble Apex

    Court in Kajal Vs. Jagdish Chand and others, 2020(2)R.C.R.(Civil)

    27, held that where injured was a female child aged about12 years and

    date of the accident was 18.10.2007 and it was observed by the

    Hon’ble Apex Court that to determine the attendant charges,

    Multiplier system should be applied. Relevant paragraphs No. 22 and

    25 of the aforesaid judgment are as under:

    “22. The attendant charges have been awarded by the High
    Court at the rate of Rs.2,500 per month for 44 years, which
    works out to Rs. 13,20,000. Unfortunately, this system is not a
    proper system. Multiplier system is used to balance out various
    factors. When compensation is awarded in lump sum, various
    facts are taken into consideration. When compensation is paid
    in lump sum, this court has always followed the multiplier
    system. The multiplier system should be followed not only for
    determining the compensation on account of loss of income but
    also for determining the attendant charges, etc. This system
    was recognized by this Court in Gobald Motor Service Ltd. v.

    R.M.K. Veluswami, 1958-65 ACJ 179 (SC).

    The multiplier system factors in the inflation rate, the rate of
    interest payable on the lump sum award, the longevity of the
    claimant, and also other issues such as the uncertainties of life.
    Out of all the various alternative methods, the multiplier
    method has been recognized as the most realistic and
    reasonable method. It ensures better justice between the
    parties and thus results in award of just compensation’ within
    the meaning of the Act.

    MOHD AYUB
    2026.04.22 17:47
    I attest to the accuracy and

    authenticity of this order/judgment.

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    FAO-2034-2013 (O&M)

    23. xxxxx

    24. xxxxx

    25. Having held so, we are clearly of the view that the basic
    amount taken for determining attendant charges is very much
    on the lower side. We must remember that this little girl is
    severely suffering from incontinence meaning that she does not
    have control over her bodily functions like passing urine and
    faeces. As she grows older, she will not be able to handle her
    periods. She requires an attendant virtually 24 hours a day.
    She requires an attendant who though may not be medically
    trained but must be capable of handling a child who is
    bedridden. She would require an attendant who would ensure
    that she does not suffer from bed sores. The claimant has
    placed before us a notification of the State of Haryana of the
    year 2010, wherein the wages for skilled labourer is Rs.4,846
    per month. We, therefore, assess the cost of one attendant at
    Rs.5,000 and she will require two attendants which works out
    to Rs.10,000/- per month, which comes to Rs. 1,20,000/- per
    annum, and using the multiplier of 18 it works out Rs.
    21,60,000 for attendant charges for her entire life. This take
    care of all the pecuniary damages.

    37. In view of the above as per the Disability Certificate,

    which is 100% and which requires full-time attendant, therefore, it

    would be appropriate to decide the attendant charges accordingly.

    100% disability would require day and night attendants, meaning

    thereby two attendants would be required. Further 100% disability

    of the appellant-claimant would require trained attendant i.e. who

    should have knowledge of nursing and experience as well. Further

    the minimum amount which an attendant would demand is

    Rs.10,000/-. Since two attendants are required for 100% disability,

    MOHD AYUB
    2026.04.22 17:47
    I attest to the accuracy and
    authenticity of this order/judgment.

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    FAO-2034-2013 (O&M)

    it would be appropriate to take the minimum amount of Rs.10,000/-

    each of two attendants i.e. amounting to Rs.20,000/- for two

    attendants.

    38. In the instant case, there is substantial medical evidence

    establishing that the injured appellant-claimant has suffered from a

    100% disability of the lower limb, as per Ex. P-4. Over the past 20

    years since the accident on 31.05.2005, the injured has faced

    significant challenges in leading a normal life. Furthermore,

    medical testimony confirms that the injured person is unable to

    carry out daily activities independently.

    39. Applying the principles laid down in Kajal‘s case

    (supra) it is evident that the appellant-claimant requires

    continuous assistance from two attendants for 24 hours a day. In

    Kajal‘s case (supra), the Hon’ble Supreme Court emphasized that

    the multiplier system must be followed to determine attendant

    charges, taking into account factors such as longevity, inflation,

    interest rates, and the uncertainties of life. The Court also

    highlighted that an individual with severe disabilities requires

    dedicated attendants, even if they are not medically trained, to

    ensure proper care and prevent further complications such as

    bedsores.

    23. In view of the above judgment and considering age and disability

    suffered by the appellant/claimant, the appellant is entitled to attendant charges to

    the tune of Rs.1,00,000/-.

    MOHD AYUB
    2026.04.22 17:47
    I attest to the accuracy and
    authenticity of this order/judgment.

    -15-

    FAO-2034-2013 (O&M)

    24. A further perusal of the award shows that the learned tribunal erred in

    not awarding any amount of compensation under the head of ‘loss of marriage

    prospects’, despite the claimant being only 25 years old at the time of the accident

    and having his entire life before him. The learned Tribunal failed to consider the

    impact of injury on his ability to marry, find a life partner, and enjoy normal

    matrimonial prospects. Hon’ble the Supreme Court, in its decision in Rahul

    Ganpat Rao Sable versus National Insurance Company, 2023 (3) RCR (Civil)

    574 squarely addresses this omission and recognizes that such non-pecuniary loss

    arising from permanent disability including loss of marriage prospects deserves

    just compensation.

    25. The relevant portion of the judgment is reproduced as under:-

    “Loss of Marriage prospects:

    20. No compensation has been awarded under the above head.

    Considering the nature of injuries duly approved and certified,
    the appellant would be entitled to compensation under loss of
    marriage prospects. Again, relying upon the judgment of this
    Court in the case of Chaus Tausif Almiya (supra), we award
    afixed compensation of Rs.3 lakhs under the said head.In view
    of the above, this Court in the interest of justice is awarding
    50000 under the conventional head of ‘loss of marriage
    prospects.”

    26. Therefore, in accordance with the above referred to judgment and

    considering the peculiar facts and circumstances of this case, this Court deems it

    fit to award Rs.3,00,000/- under the head of loss of marriage prospects.

    27. A further perusal of the award reveals that learned Tribunal has

    awarded meager amount under the heads of special diet and transportation

    charges. Therefore, the award requires indulgence of this Court.

    MOHD AYUB
    2026.04.22 17:47
    I attest to the accuracy and
    authenticity of this order/judgment.

    -16-

    FAO-2034-2013 (O&M)

    RELIEF

    28. In view of the above, the present appeal is allowed and award dated

    08.11.2012 is modified. Accordingly, as per the settled principles of law as laid

    down by Hon’ble Supreme Court as mentioned above, the appellant-claimant is

    held entitled to the enhanced amount of compensation as calculated below:-

                                 Sr. No. Heads                                       Compensation Awarded
    
                                       1     Income                                  Rs.6,000/-
    
                                       2     Loss of future prospects (40%)          Rs.2,400/-
                                                                                     (40% of Rs.6,000/-)
    
                                       3     Annual Income                           Rs.1,00,800/-
                                                                                     (Rs.8400/- X 12)
    
                                       4     Loss of future earning on account Rs.70,560/-
                                             of 70% functional disability      (Rs.100800/- X 70%)
    
                                       5     Multiplier of 18                        Rs.12,70,080/-
                                                                                     (Rs. 70,560 /-X 18)
    
                                       6     Medical Expenses                        Rs.44,237/-
    
                                       7     Pain and suffering                      Rs.4,00,000/-
    
                                       8     Attendant Charges                       Rs.1,00,000/-
    
                                       9     Transportation Charges                  Rs.1,00,000/-
    
                                      10     Loss of marriage prospects              Rs.3,00,000/-
    
                                      11     Special Diet                            Rs.1,00,000/-
    
                                      12     Total compensation awarded:-            Rs.23,14,317/-
    
                                      13     Deduction:-                             Rs.2,37,037/-
                                             Amount awarded by Tribunal
    
                                      14     Enhanced             amount          of Rs.20,77,280/-
                                             compensation                            (23,14,317 - 2,37,037)
    
    
    

    29. So far as the interest part is concerned, as held by Hon’ble Supreme

    Court in Dara Singh @ Dhara Banjara Vs. Shyam Singh Varma 2019 ACJ 3176

    and R.Valli and Others VS. Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (2022) 5

    Supreme Court Cases 107, the amount so calculated shall carry an interest @ 9%

    per annum from the date of filing of the claim petition, till the date of realization.
    MOHD AYUB
    2026.04.22 17:47
    I attest to the accuracy and
    authenticity of this order/judgment.

    -17-

    FAO-2034-2013 (O&M)

    30. Respondent No.3-Insurance Company is directed to deposit the

    enhanced amount along with interest with the Tribunal within a period of two

    months from the date of receipt of copy of this judgment. The Tribunal is directed

    to disburse the enhanced amount of compensation along with interest to the

    appellant-claimant.

    31. Pending application(s), if any, also stand disposed of.

    
    
    
    
                   17.04.2026                                                     (SUDEEPTI SHARMA)
                   Ayub/Saahil                                                          JUDGE
    
                                           Whether speaking/non-speaking : Speaking
                                           Whether reportable              : Yes/No
    
    
    
    
    MOHD AYUB
    2026.04.22 17:47
    I attest to the accuracy and
    authenticity of this order/judgment.
    



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