Summary

NUR AHAMAD ABDULSAB KANAVI  vs. Abdul Munaf & Ors.

Case Citation: 2025 INSC 191
Court: Supreme Court of India
Issue: Enhancement of motor accident compensation.
Judgment: The Supreme Court increased compensation from ₹25.68 lakh (High Court award) to ₹37.51 lakh, recognizing a higher monthly income and applying relevant precedents on loss of earning capacity.

Summary :

The case involved a claim under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, where the appellant, a 27-year-old construction worker, suffered severe injuries in a road accident caused by a negligently driven truck. The tribunal awarded him Rs. 6.78 lakh based on a monthly income of Rs. 7,500 and a 20% disability assessment.

The appellant challenged the award, arguing that his actual income was Rs. 10,000 per month and that his disability should be considered 100% since he was rendered unfit for his profession. The High Court increased the compensation to Rs. 25.68 lakh, recognizing a higher disability percentage and revising future prospects.

Before the Supreme Court, the appellant sought further enhancement, citing precedents where courts accepted oral testimony to establish income. The Supreme Court ruled in his favor, setting his monthly income at Rs. 10,000 and recalculating compensation based on a 100% disability. The final award was Rs. 37.51 lakh, with interest. The Court reiterated that in cases of severe disability, the assessment should reflect the loss of earning capacity rather than just medical impairment.

Key Points:

• The Tribunal had granted ₹6.78 lakh based on a 20% disability assessment.

• The High Court revised it to ₹25.68 lakh, considering full disability.

• The Supreme Court further enhanced it by considering future prospects and higher income.

Analysis:
This case strengthens the principle that compensation should reflect actual earning potential and economic conditions. It reaffirms reliance on established precedents like Pranay Sethi and Raj Kumar v. Ajay Kumar in calculating fair compensation.