Motor Vehicles Act, 1988: Compensation – Enhancement of – Motor Accidents Claim – Claimant, aged 19 years suffered grievous injuries in a road accident – Claimant suffered from paraplegia due to the accident which caused permanent disability to the extent of 45% – Tribunal awarded compensation of Rs. 6,13,000/- along with interest at the rate of 6% p.a. from the date of filing of the petition till the date of realisation of payment – However, the High Court enhanced the compensation to Rs. 9,26,800/- – On appeal, held: Courts should be mindful that a serious injury not only permanently imposes physical limitations and disabilities but often inflicts deep mental and emotional scars upon the victim – On facts,oral evidence of the doctor that the claimant suffered permanent disability to the tune of 45% – Evidence on record indicate that the claimant suffered paraplegia due to the accident, which is a form of paralysis of lower body and it restricts everyday routine more particularly the physical activity – Paraplegia impairs physical, mental and psychological health and had devastating impact on the social and financial well being of the victim – It leads to 100% loss of earning – Claimant’s business could be said to have been gravely impacted – In view thereof, the compensation enhanced from Rs. 9,26,800/- to Rs 21,78,600/-. Compensation: Just Compensation – Explanation of – Held: ‘Just compensation’ should include all elements that would go to place the victim in as near a position as she or he was in, before the occurrence of the accident – No amount of money or other material compensation can erase the trauma, pain and suffering that a victim undergoes after a serious accident – Monetary compensation is the manner known to law, whereby society assures some measure of restitution to those who survive and the victims who have to face their lives.