Supreme Court Values Homemakers’ Contributions at ₹30,000 Monthly in Accident Compensation

In a landmark ruling, the Supreme Court of India has quantified the value of homemakers’ domestic labor at ₹30,000 per month, a decision that emerged during the hearing of an appeal related to a motor accident case from 2001. The ruling comes as part of an appeal by a husband seeking additional compensation for the loss of his wife, who tragically died in a road accident in Haryana.

Previously, the Punjab and Haryana High Court had awarded the bereaved family ₹8 lakh in 2024. However, the Supreme Court’s recent determination emphasizes the intrinsic value of homemakers’ contributions to household management and societal welfare. A bench comprising Justices Sanjoy Karol and NK Singh articulated that this amount reflects the minimum “loss of domestic care” incurred in the absence of a homemaker.

In a notable commentary, the court highlighted that caregiving work, predominantly performed by women, significantly contributes to the nation’s gross domestic product (GDP), estimated to account for 15% to 17%. The bench reaffirmed the essential role of homemakers, stating that they not only nurture families but also play a pivotal role in nation-building.

Justice Karol expressed hope that the term “homemaker” would evolve to embody the identity of a “nation builder,” reinforcing the idea that a household’s functionality hinges on the capabilities and contributions of the homemaker. He pointed out the irony in the traditional view that often considers homemakers as dependent on those who earn, while in reality, they are the backbone of household dynamics.

Furthermore, the court mentioned that the quantified amount of ₹30,000 will undergo a 10% increase every three years, ensuring that the value remains relevant with the changing economic conditions. This forward-thinking approach aims to acknowledge and elevate the status of homemakers within the society, as their contributions are often overlooked in compensation discussions.

Source: scroll.in