Authority: Supreme Court of India
Order Date: 28 September 2026
Case Overview
- Appellant: Abhishek (represented by Ms. Radhika Gautam) vs. United India Insurance Company Ltd., Sanjiv Kumar and Smt. Kanchan Jaswal.
- The dispute stems from a motor accident where the appellant’s mother became paraplegic and later died; MACT originally awarded Rs 55,00,466.23 with 9% interest.
- High Court of Himachal Pradesh (FAO No.402 of 2015) reduced the award to Rs 30,14,466 with 6% interest on 17‑09‑2025.
- Appellant argued miscalculation of age, improper discounting of salary, and erroneous rejection of causal link between accident and death.
Court Reasoning
- The Supreme Court found merit in all three contentions: age multiplier miscalculated, salary should reflect post‑accident hike, and death due to cardiac arrest was a consequence of the accident‑induced paraplegia.
- The Court held that the High Court erred in reducing the compensation and that the MACT’s methodology was reasonable.
Final Outcome
- The appeal is allowed; the MACT’s original compensation amount of Rs 55,00,466.23 is restored.
- Interest is modified to 7% per annum.
- The appellant is directed to be paid the due amount, after adjusting any interim payments, within eight weeks from the order date.
Topics: Compensation Award, Insurance Liability, Motor Accident Claims