The Supreme Court enhanced compensation to Rs 82.83 lakh for a 21-year-old man in a vegetative state, overturning the Madras High Court’s unjust reduction in the motor accident claim.
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NEW DELHI: In a landmark judgment on August 22, 2025, the Supreme Court of India enhanced compensation for a young accident victim left in a vegetative state, restoring fairness in motor accident claims. The Court set aside the Madras High Court’s reductions and upheld the principle that compensation must adequately cover lifelong medical care, attendant needs, and the victim’s loss of life’s enjoyment.
Background of the Case
The case arose from a tragic road accident that occurred on July 3, 2011, when Kavin, a 21-year-old student, was traveling in an Omni bus from Coimbatore to Chennai. The bus crashed into a tamarind tree due to rash and negligent driving, leaving several passengers injured. Kavin suffered 100% permanent disability and slipped into a vegetative state.
Kavin initially filed a claim under Section 166 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, seeking Rs. 1 crore as compensation.
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Tribunal and High Court Decisions
Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT): In 2019, the Tribunal awarded Rs. 67,83,866 in compensation, recognizing Kavin’s total disability and future medical needs.
Madras High Court (2022): On appeal, the High Court drastically reduced the award to Rs. 48,83,866, slashing amounts for future medical expenses, attendant charges, and completely setting aside compensation for permanent disability, pain and suffering of family members, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Supreme Court’s Findings
A bench of Justices N. V. Anjaria and Atul S. Chandurkar overturned the High Court’s approach, holding it to be unsustainable and unjustified. The Court emphasized that Kavin’s vegetative state and 100% disability were undisputed, and that compensation must be assessed keeping in mind his lifelong needs.
SC’s Directions:
- Future Medical Expenses: Enhanced from Rs. 2 lakh (as reduced by the High Court) to Rs. 15 lakh, noting that restricting expenses till age 46 was unreasonable.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life & Amenities: Restored Rs. 3 lakh wrongly set aside by the High Court.
- Attendant Charges: Increased from Rs. 3 lakh to Rs. 10 lakh, acknowledging Kavin would require lifelong assistance.
- Pain & Suffering of Family Members: Restored Rs. 3 lakh, citing binding precedents ignored by the High Court.
- Permanent Disability Compensation: Awarded Rs. 5 lakh, clarifying it was distinct from loss of income.
Final Award:
The Supreme Court held Kavin entitled to Rs. 82,83,866 as compensation, directing the insurer to release the unpaid amount within four weeks, with 7.5% annual interest as per the Tribunal’s order.
Case Title:
Kavin v. P. Sreemani Devi & Ors.
CIVIL APPEAL NOS. 3132-3133 OF 2023
READ JUDGMENT HERE
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