Bhogireddi Varalakshmi vs Mani Muthupandi

The Supreme Court held that the multiplier for calculating compensation in motor accident claims should be set at '11' as per the principles established in Sarla Verma v. Delhi Transport Corporation, overruling the High Court's application of '8'. The Court also awarded Rs.1,00,000/- for loss of consortium to the widow and Rs.1,00,000/- for loss of love, care, and guidance for minor children, emphasizing that emotional loss is independent of the deceased's age. The Court noted the need for revisiting compensation norms, particularly regarding future prospects for claimants over 50 years, referencing conflicting judgments in Rajesh v. Rajbir Singh and Reshma Kumari v. Madan Mohan.