Legal Analysis: Hansraj vs. Mukesh Nath & Ors

Citation: 2026 INSC 454
Court: Supreme Court of India
Bench: Justice J.K. Maheshwari and Justice Atul S. Chandurkar (Judgment authored by Justice Atul S. Chandurkar)
Date of Decision: May 6, 2026
Nature of Judgment: Civil Appeal under Article 136 against High Court order partially enhancing motor accident compensation.

Synopsis of the Judgment

A 14‑year‑old boy suffered 100% permanent disability in a motorcycle accident. The Motor Accident Claims Tribunal awarded ₹7.77 lakhs. The High Court enhanced it to ₹12.17 lakhs. The Supreme Court further enhanced the compensation to ₹56.83 lakhs, holding that the notional income of a child should be based on minimum wages of a skilled workman (₹5,800 per month) and that attendant charges for two round‑the‑clock attendants must be computed applying the multiplier method. The Court also awarded substantial amounts for mental pain, loss of marriage prospects, and future medical expenses.

1. Basic Information of the Judgment

Field Details Case Title Hansraj vs. Mukesh Nath & Ors. Civil Appeal No. Arising out of SLP(C) No. 13122 of 2024 Bench Justice J.K. Maheshwari and Justice Atul S. Chandurkar Date of Decision May 6, 2026 Citation 2026 INSC 454 Appeal From Judgment dated 09.04.2024 of Rajasthan High Court in S.B. Civil Miscellaneous Appeal No. 1334/2022

2. Legal Framework

Laws/Provisions:

• Motor Vehicles Act, 1988: Sections 166 (claim petition), 173 (appeal)

• Minimum Wages Act, 1948 (for determining notional income)

• Principles of compensation under tort law (loss of income, attendant charges, pain and suffering, loss of amenities, loss of marriage prospects)

Precedents Cited:</u

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