19.But, in our considered opinion, in the absence of any documentary evidence to show that the deceased was earning a sum of Rs.18,000/- per month at the time of accident, the Tribunal ought not to have fixed the same based on mere oral evidence adduced on the side of the claimants, as contended by the learned counsel appearing for the United India Insurance Company. However, considering the qualification of the deceased, who was an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer degree holder, We are of the opinion that a sum of Rs.12,500/- could be taken as monthly income of the deceased considering the present day cost of living. If the sum of Rs.12,500/- is taken as monthly income, 40% amount has to be added towards future prospects. If so added, the total comes to Rs.17,500/- (12,500 + 5,000). As per the decision rendered by a larger bench of the Hon'ble Supreme Court reported in 2017(2) TN MAC 609 (SC) [National Insurance Co. Ltd., Vs. Pranay Sethi and others], 50% amount of income has to be deducted toward personal expenses in the case of the deceased being a bachelor. Hence, in the instant case, the deceased Arun being a bachelor, 50% amount has to be deducted from the income towards personal expenses. If so deducted, the monthly contribution to the family comes to Rs.8,750/-. As the deceased Arun was aged 22 years at the time of accident, the correct multiplier that has to be applied in this case is 18. If the multiplier 18 is applied, the total amount works out to Rs.18,90,000/- (8,750 x 12 x 18), which could be awarded as a just and proper compensation under the head of loss of income. Hence, the sum of Rs.25,92,000/awarded by the Tribunal under the head of loss of income is hereby modified and reduced to Rs.18,90,000/-.
