NEW INDIA ASSURANCE CO. LTD. vs SONIGRA JUHI UTTAMCHAND — C.A. No. 24/2025

Case Summary: New India Assurance Co. Ltd. v. Sonigra Juhi Uttamchand Decision: The Supreme Court dismissed all appeals, upholding the High Court's enhanced compensation awards. The insurer's appeals seeking reduction were rejected; the claimant's appeals seeking further enhancement were also dismissed. Key Facts & Reasoning: A 2007 motor accident killed three family members—the claimant's parents and brother. The Motor Vehicles Tribunal awarded Rs. 14,78,000, Rs. 13,33,936, and Rs. 2,45,000 respectively. The High Court enhanced these to Rs. 30,58,000, Rs. 16,34,000, and Rs. 5,00,000. The court found the High Court's assessment of income for self-employed parents (Rs. 18,000/father; Rs. 9,000/mother monthly) reasonable given their ages and circumstances. While technically deductions for personal expenses should apply per *Sarla Verma*, the court exercised discretion favoring "just compensation" under Motor Vehicles Act Section 168, particularly noting the claimant was orphaned at age 14. The difference between technically correct and awarded amounts was immaterial. This case analysis is maintained by casestatus.in based on publicly available court records.