During the hearings, he presented details of his wife’s educational and professional background, stating that she held a Master’s degree in Computer Science and was a permanent U.S. resident earning $11,600 per month

Metro India News | AMARAVATI

The Supreme Court has ruled that the Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) must pay Rs.9 crore in compensation to the family of a woman who lost her life in a tragic road accident involving an RTC bus.

The incident dates back to June 13, 2009, when Lakshmi Nagalla, an Indian-origin professional based in the United States, was traveling with her husband and two daughters from Annavaram to Rajahmundry. Their vehicle was hit by an APSRTC bus, resulting in Lakshmi’s untimely demise. Seeking justice, her husband, Shyam Prasad Nagalla, filed a petition before the Secunderabad Motor Accidents Claims Tribunal, demanding Rs.9 crore as compensation.

After reviewing the case, the tribunal, in 2014, directed APSRTC to pay Rs.8.05 crore to the victim’s family. However, APSRTC challenged this decision in the Telangana High Court, which reduced the compensation amount to Rs.5.75 crore. Unsatisfied with the lower compensation, Lakshmi’s husband approached the Supreme Court for a revision.

During the hearings, he presented details of his wife’s educational and professional background, stating that she held a Master’s degree in Computer Science and was a permanent U.S. resident earning $11,600 per month. He argued that her future earning potential should be taken into account to determine fair compensation.

A Supreme Court bench, consisting of Justice Sanjay Karol and Justice Prashant Kumar Mishra, reviewed the case and ruled in favor of the victim’s family. The court directed APSRTC to pay a total of Rs.9,64,52,220 in compensation, ensuring justice for the bereaved family.