In a significant observation on the value of unpaid domestic work, the Supreme Court on Thursday said homemakers should be recognised as “nation builders” and held that the loss of a wife’s household services must be assessed at a minimum value of Rs 30,000 per month while awarding compensation in accident cases.
A bench of Justices Sanjay Karol and N K Singh made the remarks while enhancing compensation in a motor accident claim involving the death of a woman in Punjab more than two decades ago. The court observed that homemakers are often wrongly viewed as dependents of earning family members, whereas the reality is that households function largely because of their efforts and contributions. Expressing hope for a shift in societal perception, the bench said the term “housewife” or “homemaker” should eventually give way to “nation builder” in recognition of the role women play in raising families and contributing to society.
“The earning members are, in fact, dependent on the homemaker. Unfortunately, this contribution still does not receive the recognition it deserves,” the court observed, adding that while progress has been made in acknowledging women’s unpaid work, much more remains to be done.
The Supreme Court also voiced concern over delays in adjudicating motor accident compensation cases and said such matters should ideally be disposed of within one year. The case before the court stemmed from a road accident in Punjab on November 25, 2001, in which a woman lost her life. Her husband and three children subsequently approached the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal seeking compensation.
The tribunal awarded the family Rs 2.42 lakh. On appeal, the High Court enhanced the compensation to Rs 8.43 lakh along with interest at 7.5% per annum. Unsatisfied with the amount, the family moved the Supreme Court, which further examined the value of the deceased woman’s domestic contribution while deciding the compensation payable.
The ruling is being seen as another step towards recognising the economic value of unpaid household work performed by homemakers.
👉 Click here to read the latest Gujarat news on TheLiveAhmedabad.com