S.SURESH vs ORIENTAL INSURANCE CO.LTD.

The Supreme Court held that under Section 2(1)(l) of the Workmen’s Compensation Act, 1923, the complete amputation of a leg constitutes 'total disablement', warranting full compensation for loss of earning capacity. The Court found that the High Court erred in applying a 50% reduction based on Schedule I of the Act, emphasizing that the claimant's specific occupation as a lorry driver necessitated a different assessment of disability. Consequently, the Court restored the original compensation amount of Rs.5,20,584/- awarded by the Commissioner, including interest at 12% per annum from one month after the accident.