SC calls homemakers ‘Nation Builders’, fixes Rs 30,000 monthly value for household care loss in accident claims
In a landmark ruling, Supreme Court recognised homemakers as “Nation Builders” and held that loss of household care due to a homemaker’s death in a road accident should be valued at a minimum of Rs 30,000 per month while determining compensation
PTC Web Desk: In a significant judgment recognising the contribution of women managing households, the Supreme Court on Thursday described homemakers as “Nation Builders” and ruled that the loss of household care suffered by a family after the death of a homemaker in a road accident should be assessed at a minimum value of Rs 30,000 per month.
A Bench comprising Justice Sanjay Karol and Justice N Kotiswar Singh held that the services rendered by a homemaker to her family carry substantial economic and social value and must be treated as a separate and compensable head while deciding motor accident compensation claims.
The court made the observation while directing enhanced compensation to a man who lost his wife in a road accident. Emphasising the importance of unpaid domestic work, Justice Karol said homemakers play a crucial role in human development and the overall progress of the nation.
The Bench noted that a homemaker’s contribution goes far beyond routine household chores and directly supports the well-being and growth of family members. It therefore fixed Rs 30,000 per month as the minimum benchmark for calculating the loss of household care in such cases.
The court also expressed hope that the term “homemaker” would increasingly be recognised in society as synonymous with a “Nation Builder” because of the vital role played by women in nurturing families and communities.
Clarifying the legal position, the Bench stated that compensation awarded under this category would be independent of and in addition to the conventional heads of compensation laid down in the Supreme Court’s landmark Pranay Sethi judgment.
The ruling marks a major step forward from earlier judicial observations which held that the notional income of a homemaker should not be assessed below the minimum wages paid to a daily wage worker.
Apart from laying down fresh principles on compensation, the Supreme Court also issued directions aimed at ensuring the speedy disposal of motor accident claim cases. The court stressed that tribunals should effectively implement the summary procedure provided under Section 169 of the Motor Vehicles Act to avoid unnecessary delays.
The Bench further asked Chief Justices of all High Courts to monitor the handling of motor accident compensation cases so that victims and their families receive timely justice and relief.