Appellate court cannot reduce functional disability assessment absent appeal cross objection insurer

An appellate court acts improperly by reducing the disability percentage or functional disability assessment determined by the tribunal to the detriment of a claimant when no appeal or cross-objection has been preferred by the insurer or respondent challenging that assessment. Where medical evidence and expert testimony support the functional disability percentage evaluated by the tribunal, an appellate court cannot arbitrarily scale down the disability quotient without valid cause or an official appeal by the aggrieved respondent. Maintaining the tribunal's reasonable assessment of physical or functional disability ensures procedural fairness and protects the claimant's entitlement to full statutory compensation. (S. Shakul Hameed v. Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation Limited | 2026 INSC 29)