Authority: Supreme Court of India, Civil Appellate Jurisdiction (Bench of Hon'ble Mr. Justice Prashant Kumar Mishra and Hon'ble Mr. Justice Shree Chandrashekhar)

Order Date: 15.09.2026

Case Overview

  • Parties: Appellant Kumari Baby vs. Respondent Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation (RSRTC) & others.
  • Claim: Petition for compensation of Rs.23,02,000 arising from death of labourer Om Prakash (aged ~25) in a road accident on 20.11.1997.
  • Tribunal Proceedings: Motor Accident Claims Tribunal awarded Rs.5,45,400 on 11.10.2004. Both parties appealed; High Court remanded for fresh inquiry.
  • Fresh Tribunal Award: On 01.04.2017 the Tribunal issued a fresh award of Rs.6,11,600 in favour of the claimant.
  • High Court Intervention: The High Court, in its impugned order dated 05-07-2024 (SBCMA No. 3194/2017), reduced the compensation to Rs.3,36,112.
  • Appeal: Kumari Baby filed Special Leave Petition (SLP(C) No. 8221/2025) and Civil Appeal No(s). of 2026.
  • Counsel: For the petitioner – Mr. Abhijeet Singh, Ms. Chitrangda Rastravara, and a team of advocates; for the respondent – Dr. Ritu Bhardwaj and counsel team.

Final Outcome

  • The Supreme Court held that the High Court ought not to have reduced the compensation.
  • The impugned High Court order is set aside.
  • The Tribunal award of Rs.6,11,600 dated 01.04.2017 is restored in full.
  • The appeal is allowed.
  • Any pending applications, if any, are disposed of.

Topics: Compensation, Motor Accident Claims