V. MEKALA vs M. MALATHI

The Supreme Court held that in determining compensation for a permanently disabled claimant, the notional monthly income should reflect the claimant's potential earning capacity, considering her age and academic achievements. The Court found that the High Court erred in assessing the monthly income at ₹6,000 instead of ₹18,000, failing to account for future prospects of income. The Court enhanced the compensation awarded to the claimant, emphasizing the need to include future earnings potential as established in Santosh Devi v. National Insurance Company Ltd. (2012) 6 SCC 421.