No Direct Nexus Between Marks & Earning Capacity: Bombay High Court enhances compensation in MACT Appeal

The Bombay High Court held that a student’s academic performance cannot be used as a measure to determine future earning capacity in motor accident compensation cases.

Rejecting the insurer’s argument that low marks justified reduced income assessment, the Court emphasized that professional success is not strictly tied to academic scores.

It noted that even average students may go on to earn well.

Adopting a practical approach, the Court reassessed the notional income of the deceased homeopathy student and enhanced compensation to ₹46.06 lakh with 7% interest. 

[National Insurance Company Ltd. v. Sou. Malan Anil Holkar]