Homemaker's role is demanding, their contributions are immeasurable: Punjab and Haryana High Court

A homemaker's contributions cannot be quantified, the Punjab and Haryana High Court recently said while enhancing the compensation payable to a woman following her husband's death [Dayawanti vs Arjun and Ors.]..Justice Sanjay Vashishth observed that a homemaker shoulders myriad responsibilities that encompass a diverse range of tasks.The dedication of homemakers is undeniable and their contributions to the intricate fabric of daily life must be acknowledged, the judge added. "A homemaker shoulders a myriad of responsibilities that encompass a diverse range of tasks. From managing household chores to nurturing relationships and maintaining a harmonious living environment, their role is ceaseless and demanding. Operating tirelessly around the clock, a homemaker's dedication is undeniable. The contribution of a homemaker to the intricate fabric of daily life is immeasurable and deserves profound acknowledgment," the Court said..The Court was hearing a plea by a woman seeking enhancement of compensation awarded to her in 2007 by a Motor Accidents Claims Tribunal (MACT) following her husband's death.In 2005, the woman had sought ₹20 lakh in compensation. The tribunal assessed the age of the deceased as 49 years and 8 months, his monthly income as ₹3,500, deducted 1/3rd on account of his personal expenses, applied the multiplier of 13, and granted ₹5,000 as spousal consortium, and ₹10,000 as funeral expenses.Accordingly, the MACT awarded a total compensation of ₹3,79,000 to the widow..Aggrieved, she moved the High Court contending that the tribunal erred in determining the monthly salary of the deceased. She added that the MACT had failed to enhance the income on account of future prospects, that it deducted personal expenses on the higher side, and also failed to grant any compensation on account of loss of estate..The insurance company opposed this plea and asserted that there was no need for any interference with the MACT's findings..The Court took the view that income of the deceased, who was a truck driver, should have been assessed in accordance with the prevailing wages at the time of the accident (₹5,812.75 per month).Pertinently, the Court observed that the sole claimant was a widow who had been thrust into a position of considerable responsibility after the demise of her husband. "This transition would have brought about an array of challenging responsibilities to her, signifying a profound and demanding phase of adaptation and resilience," the Court added..The Court added that the widow had to not only look after herself but also manage her home. .Accordingly, based on parameters laid down by the Punjab and Haryana High Court in Sangtari Muleem vs Karnail Singh, the bench enhanced the total compensation payable to ₹8,44,508..Consequently, the Court modified the tribunal's award and directed the company to pay ₹8,44,508 as compensation along with interest at 7.5% per annum from the date of filing the claim petition..Advocate Bhisham K Majoka appeared for the claimant.Advocate RC Kapoor appeared for the insurance company..[Read Judgment]