The Punjab and Haryana High Court has emphasized the immeasurable value of a homemaker's contribution to the intricate fabric of daily life. The court firmly asserted that a homemaker's role cannot be equated to that of an unskilled laborer, especially in cases involving compensation for the unfortunate event of a homemaker's death in an accident.

This landmark ruling was made by the single-headed bench of Justice Sanjay Vashisth in response to a case where the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal had initially evaluated the homemaker's income at the level of an unskilled laborer.

The Court clarified that a homemaker's contribution is no less significant than that of a skilled worker.

Justice Vashisth emphasized that a homemaker assumes a multitude of responsibilities that span a wide spectrum of tasks. These responsibilities encompass everything from overseeing household chores to nurturing relationships and creating a harmonious living environment. Their role is ceaseless and demanding, requiring them to operate tirelessly around the clock, and their dedication is unquestionable.

Furthermore, Justice Vashisth noted that a homemaker's affection and unwavering dedication to her family have the power to transform a mere house into a warm and loving home. It is often said that a house without a woman is like a body without a soul, highlighting the indispensable role that homemakers play in the family and society.

During the cousre of hearing the Court cited the SBI's recent "Ecowrap report," which was published in March. The report stated that the total contribution of unpaid women to the economy amounted to approximately Rs 22.7 lakh crore. In rural areas, this contribution was Rs 14.7 lakh crore, and in urban areas, it was Rs 8 lakh crore. This unpaid work by women accounted for nearly 7.5 percent of India's Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Justice Vashisth further emphasized that the court regarded the contribution of a homemaker as being "no less significant than the contribution of a skilled worker." Therefore, the compensation for a homemaker's unfortunate death should be assessed based on the prevailing minimum wages for a skilled worker at the time of her passing.

During the hearing, the Bench was informed that the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal had carefully reviewed the records, assessed the evidence, examined witnesses, and heard arguments from both parties. As a result, they had granted compensation of Rs 12,39,424 along with 7.5 percent annual interest from the date of filing the petition until its realization.

The legal representative for the deceased homemaker's family argued that the entire family relied on her for support. They asserted that the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal had made a mistake in evaluating her income at the level of an unskilled laborer, stating that "the income of a homemaker, who performs a multitude of tasks, cannot be equated in any way to that of an unskilled worker."

“Keeping in view the aim of this beneficial legislation of providing relief to the victims or their families, the total compensation payable to the appellants-claimants is Rs. 15,39,808 along with interest at 7.5 per cent per annum…,” Justice Vashisth concluded.