The Supreme Court has held that the loss of domestic care provided by a homemaker constitutes a distinct and compensable head of damages in motor accident claims, while quantifying the value of such domestic services at a minimum of Rs. 30,000 per month.

Pronouncing the judgment in an appeal arising out of a motor accident claims, the bench comprising Justice Sanjay Karol and Justice NK Singh observed that the contribution of a homemaker extends beyond the household and plays a vital role in nation-building. The Court emphasized that the loss of domestic care suffered by a family due to the death or incapacitation of a homemaker deserves independent recognition while determining compensation under the Motor Vehicles Act.

"We are also of the view that the housewife contributes to the growth of the human being and the nation. The homemaker builds nation. So we have laid down the principles, and as a nation builder, we have housewife, we have quantified the amount that the loss of domestic care monthly income minimum in any event would be 30,000 per month," Justice Karol said at the time of pronouncement.

Justice Karol said that "loss of domestic care" would be a ground in addition to the heads of damages recognized by the Supreme Court in Pranay Sethi judgment for awarding compensation in motor accident claims.

"We only hope and trust that the word Home Maker will now acquire the acronym of nation builder," Justice Karol said.

In a previous notable judgment delivered in 2024, the Supreme Court had observed that the notion that homemakers do not work was wrong, and held that their deemed income must not be less than the minimum wages notified for a daily wager.

Directions issued to expedite motor accident claims

The Court also issued directions aimed at ensuring expeditious disposal of motor accident compensation claims. Referring to Section 169 of the Motor Vehicles Act, which envisages a summary procedure before Motor Accident Claims Tribunals, the Bench expressed hope that the provision would be implemented "in letter and spirit."

Further, the Court expressed its expectation that the Chief Justices of all High Courts would monitor motor accident claim proceedings to ensure timely adjudication and effective implementation of the principles laid down in the judgment.

Detailed judgment is awaited.

Case : SHISHUPAL @ SHISH RAM AND ORS. SURJEET AND ORS. v. SURJEET AND ORS | SLP(C) No. 33915/2025