#Dependency Loss

Jharkhand High Court affirmed that the claimant is entitled to a loss-of-dependency award calculated on a 17-year multiplier, relying on the deceased’s post-mortem income-tax returns. The ruling clarifies that tax returns can be admitted as proof of earnings for dependency calculations under the Motor Vehicles Act, raising the compensation ceiling for families of road-accident victims.

Punjab & Haryana HC sets aside 75:25 negligence apportionment, ruling both drivers equally liable when a parked truck lacked lights and the moving vehicle drove rashly. Compensation enhanced to ₹1.81 lakh with 7.5% interest, reinforcing that contributory negligence must reflect actual fault share under tort law.

The Bombay High Court has ruled that parents-in-law qualify as 'legal representatives' under the Motor Vehicles Act if they can prove financial dependency on the deceased, regardless of inheritance status. This expands the scope of compensation claimants beyond statutory heirs, affirming that dependency-not lineage-determines entitlement under Section 166, with direct implications for insurance claims and family compensation petitions nationwide.

Madhya Pradesh High Court holds that daily income for motor accident compensation must be calculated on 30-day month basis, not 25 days, enhancing award by Rs.3.98 lakh.