'Homemaker's Contribution Invaluable': Rajasthan High Court Enhances Compensation By ₹3.15 Lakh In Accident Case

The bench of Dr. Justice Nupur Bhati at the Rajasthan High Court enhanced the compensation awarded by the Motor Accidents Claims Tribunal, in relation to death of a homemaker, taking into account the “significant and invaluable contribution of homemakers”.

The Court was hearing an appeal filed against the quantum of compensation awarded by the tribunal towards death of a homemaker. One of the arguments put forth by the appellant was that the notional income of a homemaker could not be undervalued.

On the contrary, the respondent submitted that the since the deceased was a homemaker, and hence, not earning, assessing her monthly income at Rs. 3,000 was in fact on the higher side. It was argued that homemaker's contribution could not be equated with actual employment income.

After hearing the contentions, the Court observed that, “The Hon'ble Apex Court in the catena of judgments has consistently recognized the significant and invaluable contribution of homemakers and has time and again, held that services of homemakers must be given pecuniary value while awarding compensation in motor accident and similar claims”.

In this light, it was highlighted that as opposed to Rs. 3,000, the income of the deceased as per the minimum wages of a skilled labour prevalent at that time was Rs. 4,650.

Accordingly, the order of the Tribunal was modified, and the awarded compensation was enhanced by around Rs. 3.15 lakhs.

Title: Lrs of Purakh Singh & Anr. v Narendra Singh & Ors.

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (Raj) 333

For Appellant(s): Mr. Praveen Choudhary

For Respondent(s): Mr. Vishal Singhal (For insurance company)

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