The Supreme Court has laid down an important framework governing compensation for prosthetic limbs in motor accident cases, emphasizing that such compensation must be realistic, humane, and aligned with the principle of “just compensation” under the Motor Vehicles Act.
The bench of Justice J.B. Pardiwala and Justice K. V. Viswanathan rejected reliance on government-notified rates for prosthetic limbs, which ranged between ₹20,000 and ₹25,000, describing them as grossly inadequate. It held that a claimant is entitled to procure appropriate prosthetic devices that meet their needs, even from private providers, and courts cannot force acceptance of cheaper or inferior alternatives.
The case arose from a road accident in 2007 in Jaipur, where a Haryana Roadways bus hit the appellant’s motorcycle from behind, resulting in severe injuries and eventual amputation of his leg below the knee. The Motor Accident Claims Tribunal had initially awarded ₹8.73 lakh, which was later enhanced by the Rajasthan High Court to ₹13.02 lakh. However, no compensation was granted for prosthetic limbs, prompting the appellant to approach the Supreme Court.
The core issue before the Court was whether compensation for prosthetic limbs—including their cost, replacement, and maintenance—should form an essential component of “just compensation” in such cases. The Court underscored that prosthetic limbs are not merely assistive devices but are integral to restoring mobility, dignity, and confidence to amputees.
Relying on the principle of restitutio in integrum, the Court held that compensation must, as far as possible, restore the claimant to their pre-accident condition. It observed that prosthetic limbs have a limited lifespan, typically requiring replacement every five years, and therefore compensation must account for the claimant’s lifetime needs, generally up to the age of 70 years.
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Applying this reasoning, the Court noted that the appellant, who was 32 years old at the time of the accident, would require multiple prosthetic limbs over his lifetime. It calculated that he would need seven such replacements and awarded ₹3 lakh per limb, totaling ₹21 lakh. In addition, the Court granted ₹5 lakh towards maintenance costs, thereby awarding ₹26 lakh under the head of prosthetic limbs and related expenses.
The judgment also introduced a practical guideline for future cases, directing that claims for prosthetic limbs should be supported by quotations from at least two or three service providers to enable courts to make informed assessments.
Apart from this, the Court enhanced compensation under other heads as well. It accepted the appellant’s claimed monthly income of ₹6,000 and recognized 100% functional disability, leading to a substantial increase in compensation for loss of future income. It also awarded ₹2 lakh towards litigation costs.
In conclusion, the Supreme Court directed the insurance company to pay an additional ₹36.20 lakh (approximately), over and above the High Court’s award, within four weeks, failing which interest at 9% per annum would apply.
This ruling marks a crucial development in motor accident compensation law by recognizing prosthetic limbs as a long-term necessity rather than a one-time expense, and by promoting a more structured and uniform approach to awarding damages in cases involving permanent disability.
Case Details
Case Title: Prahlad Sahai Versus Haryana Roadways & Anr.
Citation: JURISHOUR-963-SC-2026
Case No.: Civil Appeal No.4642 Of 2026
Date: 21st April, 2026
