Jagran Bureau, New Delhi | The Supreme Court has delivered a significant ruling regarding homemakers. Recognising the contributions of homemakers, the apex court stated that women who manage homes should be called "nation builders", not housewives or homemakers.
The court also ordered that in the case of a road accident involving the death of a homemaker, where the homemaker has no income, the loss of domestic care will be factored in when determining compensation.
SC Fixes Minimum Rs 30,000 Per Month
The value of a woman's domestic care work will be considered 30,000 rupees per month, and compensation will be determined on that basis. Furthermore, in its ruling, the Supreme Court expressed concern over the years-long backlog of motor vehicle accident cases and issued guidelines for their speedy resolution. This far-reaching decision was delivered by a bench of Justices Sanjay Karol and N Kotiswar Singh, increasing the compensation for the death of a woman in a road accident in Punjab.
Housewives Are 'Nation Builders': SC
The court stated that homemakers contribute to human and national development. A woman who manages the home builds the nation. Ironically, homemakers are considered dependent on earning members, while in reality, the very work of the household depends largely on them. Sadly, this truth does not receive the recognition it deserves.
In the judgment, the bench cited economist Sir Cecil Pigou, stating that women's services are counted as dividends (income) when they are paid for, whether in a factory or at home. However, when mothers and wives provide these services for their families, they are not counted. Therefore, if a man marries his housekeeper or cook, the national dividend (national income) is reduced.
'Women Spend 7-8 Hours A Day On Domestic Work'
The court said women's unpaid care work is estimated to contribute 15-17 per cent to India's GDP, yet it receives neither remuneration nor recognition. The top court also cited the 2019 Time Use Survey, which found that women aged 15 to 59 spend more than seven hours a day on household chores, compared to less than three hours for men. On average, women perform 2.6 times more unpaid domestic care work, even though they also contribute financially.
Women's contribution isn't limited to childbearing; they also play a significant role in building human capital. Regarding compensation for the death of a homemaker in a road accident, the court stated that when calculating compensation for non-economic losses, it is essential to identify these losses before awarding compensation. The primary consideration is the loss of a woman's ability to efficiently perform household chores.
"The second aspect concerns the children in the household; they have lost their mother, who was the person they could turn to with all their problems. Third, the husband no longer has the support of his life partner. The loss of a homemaker is not limited to the husband and children; it also affects the woman's own parents, who are deprived of their children's love. The loss is also felt by the in-laws who live in the same household," the apex court observed.
The Supreme Court directed that when considering a motor accident claim resulting in the death of a homemaker, an amount of Rs 30,000 should be added as loss of domestic care to account for three key factors: the homemaker's contribution to the smooth running of the household, the children's lack of motherly support, and the lack of spouse's support or the care of an adult child. Provided all three factors apply.
There Will Be A 10 Per Cent Increase Every Three Years
This amount will be increased by 10 per cent every three years. The court clarified that this monthly income of Rs. 30,000 will be considered in cases where the housewife has no monetary contribution to the household. In cases where the housewife is employed, the loss of domestic care will be in addition to the monthly income that must be proven before the court. The court also issued guidelines for the speedy disposal of long-pending motor vehicle accident cases.
(With Jagran.com inputs)