Motor Vehicles Act, 1988

The Supreme Court examined the computation of compensation under Sections 163‑A, 166 and 168 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 in death claims, focusing on the appropriate multiplier, the addition of future prospects to the deceased's income, and the quantification of conventional heads such as loss of estate, loss of co…

The deceased, Dilip Bhowmik, was the owner‑cum‑driver of his vehicle and died in an accident caused by his own rash and negligent driving, with no other vehicle involved. His legal representatives filed a claim petition under Section 166 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 seeking compensation, and the Motor Accidents Clai…

The appellant, a 25‑year‑old cleaner, was struck by a lorry and suffered fractures of both pelvic bones, urethral rupture, abdominal injuries and a 25% partial permanent disability, losing his job and incurring substantial medical expenses. He claimed compensation under Section 173 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 and t…

Yadava Kumar, a 30‑year‑old painter, suffered fractures of both forearms in a road accident and was assessed with 33% disability of the right upper limb, 21% of the left and 20% total disability. The Motor Vehicles Tribunal awarded Rs.52,000 as compensation, which the Karnataka High Court enhanced to Rs.72,000 but refu…

A 39‑year‑old government engineer died in a motor accident, and his wife and three children filed a claim petition under Section 11 OA of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1939. The Motor Accident Claims Tribunal awarded Rs. 2,61,800 as compensation, which the High Court enhanced to Rs. 4,70,000 by applying a multiplier of 16 an…

The appellant purchased a motor vehicle at an auction from a bank that had lifted its hypothecation lien and paid the insurance premium to the insurer, which issued a policy in the name of the original owner but also listed the appellant’s address. The vehicle was stolen shortly after purchase, and the insurer denied t…

The case arose from a motor accident in 2009 where a lorry collided with a motorcycle, killing the rider Satish and injuring his pillion rider Anand. Separate claims were filed under s.166 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 for compensation to Satish's legal representatives and to Anand, and the Motor Accident Claims Trib…

The Supreme Court revisited its earlier directions prohibiting the grant of liquor licences within 500 metres of national and state highways, hearing numerous interlocutory applications for extensions or modifications. It held that the Court’s directions, grounded in public‑health policy and the constitutional right to…

The petition, filed by Dr. S. Rajaseekaran, an orthopaedic surgeon, sought enforcement of road‑safety norms and better treatment of accident victims under Article 32 of the Constitution. The Court had earlier constituted a Committee on Road Safety, which submitted recommendations that the Union and State governments ha…

A motor accident in 2010 caused the death of a motorcyclist, leading the victim's dependents to claim compensation under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. The Motor Accident Claims Tribunal awarded compensation but held that the insurer, IFFCO Tokio, was not liable because the driver of the insured Tempo vehicle possessed …

A truck transporting eighteen cattle was intercepted for lacking proper permits, leading to seizure of the animals and registration of FIRs under the Maharashtra Animal Preservation Act and related statutes. The private respondents, claiming ownership, applied under CrPC sections 451 and 457 for interim custody, which …

The deceased businessman K. Kumareshan died in a motor accident, leaving a widow, minor children and parents as dependents who claimed compensation under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. The Motor Vehicle Accident Claims Tribunal awarded Rs. 4,29,37,700 based on the deceased's income tax returns and audit reports, but the…

The appellant, United India Insurance Co., denied the claim of the respondent, Sushil Kumar Godara, for the theft of his Bolero car, arguing that the vehicle was being used without a valid registration, constituting a fundamental breach of the insurance contract. The car had a temporary registration that expired on 19-…

The Supreme Court examined a claim for compensation under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 after Satpal Singh, a Qatari resident, died in a road accident in India in 1998, leaving his widow Satinder Kaur and three minor children as dependants. The Court held that the deceased's income should be calculated from his 1984 emp…

The appellant, a 50‑year‑old mason, was injured in a road accident and awarded Rs 1,55,000 compensation by the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal under s.166 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. The High Court enhanced the award by only Rs 34,000, noting that the Tribunal’s compensation for loss of amenities and loss of earnin…

The SaveLife Foundation filed a public‑interest writ petition seeking a legal framework to protect by‑standers who assist victims of road accidents, arguing that fear of police harassment deters timely help. The Supreme Court examined whether it could, under Articles 32, 141 and 142 of the Constitution, issue binding g…

The respondent, Saurabh Bakshi, was convicted under Section 304A of the IPC for causing the deaths of two persons by rash and negligent driving. The trial magistrate sentenced him to one year of rigorous imprisonment and a fine; the High Court reduced the sentence to the 24 days already served, relying on the fact that…

The claimants filed a claim under the Motor Vehicles Act after the husband/father suffered a road accident, and the Motor Vehicle Accidental Claim Tribunal ordered the National Insurance Company to pay Rs.2,47,500. The insurer appealed to the Patna High Court, challenging its liability to pay, and the claimants filed a…

The appellant purchased a hydraulic excavator in 2007 and insured it for Rs 46,56,600 for the period 22‑07‑2009 to 21‑07‑2010. The excavator was totally destroyed by fire in June 2010. While the insurer’s surveyor calculated depreciation from the original purchase price, the appellant’s surveyor deducted only 10% depre…

The respondent filed a claim under Section 163-A of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 for compensation after a road accident, and the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal awarded Rs. 3.5 lakh. United India Insurance Company appealed, arguing that the claim was not maintainable because the claimant was the driver and no disability…

Arvind Kumar Mishra, a 25‑year‑old final‑year engineering student, suffered multiple injuries and 70% permanent disability in a motor accident caused by the negligent driving of a truck. He claimed compensation under Section 166 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, seeking loss of future earnings among other damages. The M…

Guru BasavaraJ @ Beene Settappa, the driver of a tractor‑trailer, was convicted under IPC sections 279, 337, 338 and 304‑A and Motor Vehicles Act section 187 for a highway accident that caused multiple injuries and one death. The accused claimed the crash resulted from mechanical failure and argued that his young age a…

The appellant, Rupa Roy, and her 10‑year‑old son were injured when a high‑speed van collided with their rickshaw van, leaving the son with a medically certified 70% permanent disability. She filed a claim under Section 166 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 and the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal awarded a compensation of …

The deceased, a 46‑year‑old bank manager earning Rs.23,134 per month, died in a motor accident. The Motor Accident Claims Tribunal awarded compensation of Rs.24,12,936 with interest. The insurer appealed, and the High Court reduced the award by 30% on the ground of income‑tax deduction, bringing it down to Rs.16,89,055…

The State of Rajasthan appealed the acquittal of Jag Raj Singh (alias Hansa) for possession of opium recovered from a jeep. The Supreme Court examined whether the police complied with the mandatory provisions of Sections 42(1) and 42(2) of the NDPS Act when they acted on secret information and conducted the search. It …

The appellant, a forging machine operator, lost multiple phalanges of four fingers of his right hand in an accident at work. The Commissioner under the Employees' Compensation Act, 1923 initially assessed a 100% disability and awarded compensation based on a factor of 213.57. On appeal, the High Court reduced the disab…

The Supreme Court considered the claim of a five‑year‑old child who became a paraplegic after a road accident in 2010. The Motor Accident Claims Tribunal awarded Rs 18,24,000, which the Karnataka High Court reduced to Rs 13,46,805. On appeal, the Court examined the method of calculating compensation under the Motor Veh…

M.C. Mehta filed a writ petition under Article 32 seeking a ban on the sale and registration of commercial vehicles that do not meet Bharat Stage‑IV (BS‑IV) emission standards from 1 April 2017, arguing that such vehicles pose a serious health hazard. The manufacturers contended that they were entitled to sell the exis…

The appellants' parents, who were partners in a mill, died in a road accident when a bus collided with their vehicle. The appellants filed separate claim petitions under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 seeking Rs 1 crore each, and the Motor Accidents Claims Tribunal awarded Rs 58.24 lakh and Rs 93.61 lakh respectively, ba…

The Commissioner of Commercial Taxes of Kerala challenged a penalty of Rs.86 lakh imposed on K.T.C. Automobiles for allegedly evading Kerala sales tax by registering 263 cars sold from its Mahe branch under the Pondicherry Sales Tax Act. The High Court set aside the penalty, holding that the sale was completed at Mahe …

The appellant, a 25‑year‑old self‑employed man, was paralysed below the waist after a bus accident and filed a claim under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. The Motor Accident Claim Tribunal awarded Rs 3 lakh, which the High Court enhanced to Rs 8,08,052 by applying a multiplier of 15 and clubbing future treatment with pai…

The claimants, passengers in a jeep that collided with a fleeing truck, sought compensation under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 after two of them were killed and one injured. The High Court held both the truck and the jeep responsible but apportioned liability 70% to the truck driver/owner and 30% to the jeep driver/own…

The Supreme Court considered an appeal by the sons and daughter of Chanchali Nayak, an agricultural labourer who died in a head‑on collision between a bus and a truck. The tribunal had awarded Rs 70,600 as compensation based on a monthly income of Rs 650 and a multiplier of 12, which the High Court affirmed but reduced…

The State of Madhya Pradesh appealed against two orders of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) that directed the State to prohibit fuel dealers from supplying petrol to any motor vehicle that did not display a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate and to deposit Rs 25 crore as security for compliance. The respo…

The claimants, legal heirs of a government employee who died in a motor accident, were awarded Rs.37,85,800 compensation by the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal. The insurer, New India Assurance Co., appealed seeking deduction of the financial assistance payable under the Haryana Compensation Assistance Rules, 2006, whil…

The deceased, Chanabasayya, was killed when he fell from a tractor‑trailer owned by respondent No.2 while returning from unloading maize at Holealur. His father filed a claim under Section 166 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 seeking compensation from the insurer (respondent No.1), the vehicle owner (respondent No.2) an…

The Catholic society Montford Brothers of St. Gabriel filed a claim before the Mizoram Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT) for compensation under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, after one of its members, a "Brother" who had renounced his family ties, died in a road accident. The Tribunal allowed the claim, but the insu…

A goods vehicle accident resulted in the death of Hanumanth, who was employed as a 'Gumasthe' accompanying the goods in transit. The claimants (his widow and children) obtained a compensation award from the Motor Vehicles Accidents Claim Tribunal against both the owner‑driver and United India Insurance Company. The Hig…

Parmeshwari, a pillion passenger on a motorcycle, suffered a fractured right leg and 32% permanent disability after being hit by a scooter. She filed a complaint with the Superintendent of Police (Hisar) and later a compensation claim, which the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal awarded Rs.1,36,547 with 9% interest. The H…

The appellant, a 21‑year‑old pillion rider, suffered severe head injuries and 69% permanent disability in a 2001 motor accident, leaving him cognitively impaired, immobile and unable to earn. The Motor Accident Claims Tribunal awarded Rs.5,74,320 compensation, which the High Court increased to Rs.9,38,952 but omitted a…

The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) operated a bus owned by a private individual under a lease agreement. An accident caused by the bus led claimants to seek compensation. The dispute centered on whether liability for compensation under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 rested on the registered owner, the…

The dependants of Rishi Parkash filed a claim petition under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 against the driver, owner and insurer of a Maruti car and the driver of a tempo, seeking compensation for his death in a collision. The Motor Accidents Claims Tribunal held both drivers negligent and awarded Rs.5,81,000 with inter…

The petitioners, a Kerala distributors association, challenged the constitutional validity of amendments to the Kerala Motor Vehicles Taxation Act, 1976 (ss.4(7) and 4(8)), Section 15 of the same Act, and Section 8A of the Kerala Motor Transport Workers’ Welfare Fund Act, 1985, arguing that these provisions made the pa…

The appellant, a 23‑year‑old software engineer, was injured in a bus‑accident caused by the negligent driving of a State Express Transport Corporation bus, sustaining a permanent disability of 31.1%. She filed a claim under Section 166 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, and the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT) award…

The appellant, Alifiya Husenbhai Keshariya, was injured in a road accident and claimed Rs 10 lakhs before the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal, which awarded her Rs 2,41,745 with interest. She filed a Miscellaneous Application in the Gujarat High Court seeking permission to appeal the award as an indigent person, arguing…

The deceased Krishna Kumar Sahu died in a motorcycle accident; his heirs filed a claim under Section 166 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 seeking compensation. The Motor Accident Claims Tribunal held that the motorcycle was driven by the appellant's son, Prem Lal Rajawade, whose rash driving caused the accident, and awa…

The appellants filed a claim petition after Balvinder Kaur died in a collision where a Maruti car rear-ended a truck. The Motor Accident Claims Tribunal and the Uttarakhand High Court held that the car driver was at fault for not maintaining a safe distance and dismissed the claim, finding no negligence on the part of …

The petitioner, a public‑spirited citizen, filed a writ petition under Article 32 seeking a direction that all motor vehicles in India be fitted only with safety glass having 100% visual light transmission (VLT) and that the use of black films on vehicle windshields and side windows be prohibited. The petition also dem…

The Punjab Roadways, Moga challenged High Court orders that directed the State Transport Authority to grant regular stage‑carriage permits to private operators on routes where State Transport Undertakings (STUs) had either not utilized or had surrendered their permits. The dispute centered on the interpretation of the …

The appellant Basappa was charged under IPC sections 279 and 304A and the Motor Vehicles Act for a tractor accident that killed a two‑year‑old child. The trial magistrate acquitted him, finding no cogent evidence that he was the driver at the time of the accident. The State appealed under Cr.P.C. s.378; the High Court …

The widowed mother and her two educated daughters of a deceased motor accident victim were awarded compensation, which was later enhanced by the High Court. The insurer deposited the full amount with the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal, which ordered a portion to be placed in long‑term fixed deposits despite the claiman…

Skoda Auto Volkswagen India Private Ltd sought to quash an FIR registered under Sections 34, 471, 468, 467, 420, 419 and 406 IPC for alleged installation of defeat devices in its vehicles. The High Court refused to quash the FIR, granting only protection against arrest. The petitioner argued that the police could not i…

Ambala Bus Syndicate, a private operator of non‑air‑conditioned buses, obtained an inter‑state permit from Punjab and sought a counter‑signature from the Chandigarh Union Territory to operate in Chandigarh. The High Court Single Judge allowed the request, but the Division Bench reversed, holding that the 1998 Scheme (a…

The Madhya Pradesh High Court struck down Rule 55A of the State Motor Vehicles Rules, which imposed fees for reserving specific vehicle registration numbers, holding it ultra vires the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 and the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989. The State appealed, arguing that under Sections 65(1) and 211 of t…

The parents of a ten‑year‑old boy filed a claim petition under Sections 140 and 166 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 seeking compensation for his death in a tractor‑trolley accident caused by the driver (respondent No.1). The Motor Accident Claims Tribunal rejected the claim, holding that the plaintiffs failed to prove …

The appellant, a 12‑year‑old child, was hit by a motorcycle and suffered multiple injuries resulting in a 34% disability of the right lower limb and an 18% disability of the whole body. The Motor Accidents Claims Tribunal awarded Rs.63,500 and the Karnataka High Court enhanced it to Rs.1,09,500, which the child challen…

The Pepsu Road Transport Corporation (PRTC) owned a bus driven by Nirmal Singh, who was involved in a fatal accident. The claimants obtained compensation from the Motor Accidents Claims Tribunal, but the insurer, National Insurance Company, was absolved on the ground that the driver’s licence was fake. PRTC appealed, a…

In 1990 a car driven by the first respondent crashed, leaving the appellant, Urviben, permanently disabled and bedridden. She claimed Rs.15 lakh compensation before the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT) under s.166 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. The MACT awarded Rs.6.07 lakh with 9% interest, recording that the a…

The deceased was riding a scooter when an APSRTC bus, driven rashly and without sounding the horn, struck it from behind, causing his death. The deceased's parents and sisters filed a claim petition under Section 166 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, and the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal held that the bus driver’s rash…

The deceased, a 52‑year‑old Assistant Professor, died in a motor vehicle accident, leaving behind his wife, two daughters and his mother‑in‑law who lived with the family and was financially dependent on him. The appellants filed a claim petition under Section 166 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, but the Kerala High Cou…

Sharda Associates insured a JCB excavator with United India Insurance for Rs 13.50 lakhs. While the excavator was being used for road construction, a section of the road collapsed, causing the machine to fall into a ditch, killing two workers and resulting in total loss of the excavator. The insurer denied the claim, i…

The Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) hired a privately owned mini‑bus, which was insured by National Insurance Company, and the bus was involved in a fatal accident. The claimants sought compensation under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, and the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal held the corporation l…

The appellant, a 16‑year‑old student who secured first rank in her class, suffered 70% permanent disablement after a motor vehicle accident. The Motor Accident Claim Tribunal awarded Rs 6,46,000 and the Madras High Court enhanced it to Rs 18,22,000, taking a notional monthly income of Rs 6,000. The Supreme Court held t…

The husband of the claimants, Sergeant Dalbir Singh, died in a road accident caused by the negligent driving of the respondent. The claimants filed a compensation claim under Section 166 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. The Motor Accident Claims Tribunal awarded Rs. 2,49,600 with a dependency multiplier of 8, which the…

A Block Development Officer was riding pillion on a scooter when it collided with the tail‑end of a long trailer, resulting in the amputation of both his legs. The claimant sought compensation under Section 166 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, but the Tribunal and the Calcutta High Court held that the scooter driver, w…

The appellant, Smt. Savita, filed a claim under Section 166 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 for the death of her husband, Sandeep Chauhan, in a road accident. The Motor Accidents Claims Tribunal awarded a compensation of Rs. 4,28,000 based on a notional annual income of Rs. 36,000, a multiplier of 17, and deductions fo…

The claimant, a 29‑year‑old bank employee, suffered grievous brain injuries in a motor accident on 01‑01‑2013 and has remained in a permanent coma and bedridden. The Motor Accident Claims Tribunal awarded Rs 94.37 lakh with 9% interest; the High Court enhanced the compensation to Rs 1.24 crore but reduced the interest …

The appeal concerned a claim for compensation under Section 163A of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, filed by Sunil Kumar against United India Insurance Co. Ltd. The insurer attempted to defend the claim by alleging negligence of the driver/owner of the vehicle. The Supreme Court examined whether such a defence is permiss…

Dr. Kunal Saha filed a consumer complaint after his wife died while being treated for toxic epidermal necrolysis at AMRI Hospital. The National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission held the hospital and four doctors negligent but reduced the claim, deducted 10% for alleged contributory negligence and awarded only Rs.…

The appellant, a poultry labourer, was injured in a motor vehicle collision on 18 November 2009, sustaining multiple rib fractures and a 25% permanent disability. He claimed Rs 5,00,000 compensation under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, but the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal awarded only Rs 25,300 with 7.5% interest, a d…

The plaintiff Beli Ram, owner of a truck, employed a driver who had been driving with an expired licence for nearly three years. The driver suffered a road accident resulting in 20% permanent disability and claimed compensation under the Workmen's Compensation Act, 1923. The High Court held the insurer not liable and p…

The Supreme Court examined whether amounts paid to the dependents of a deceased government employee under the Haryana Compassionate Assistance Rules, 2006 should be deducted from compensation awarded under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 for a fatal motor accident. The Court reiterated that compensation must be "just and …

The deceased, Sumer Singh, was employed as a driver by the owner of a truck and was on duty driving from Delhi to Baroda when he felt unwell, parked the vehicle and died. The claimants, his dependents, filed an application under the Employee's Compensation Act, 1923 and were awarded compensation by the Workmen's Compen…

The husband of the appellants died in a road accident, and the wife and children claimed compensation under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. The Motor Accidents Tribunal awarded Rs 10,08,000 using a multiplier of 12 and interest at 7% for certain periods. The High Court reduced the compensation to Rs 5,00,000 and the inte…

In 1995 a pregnant woman (Kusuma) was injured in a road accident and subsequently delivered a still‑born baby. She filed a claim petition under Section 166 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 for loss of the unborn child and pain and suffering. The Motor Accident Claims Tribunal awarded Rs 50,000 for the loss of the unborn…

The appellant, Meenakshi, mother of Suryakanth who died in a road accident, claimed compensation under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. The Accident Claims Tribunal awarded Rs 1.04 crore based on the deceased’s gross monthly salary of Rs 50,942, which included house rent allowance, a flexible benefit plan and employer’s c…

The deceased, a 20‑year‑old CA final student, was killed when his roommate's car struck a truck that had been left stationary on a dark road without any warning lights or signs. The Motor Accident Claims Tribunal held that the negligence lay with the truck driver for leaving the vehicle unattended, and awarded Rs 81,21…

An oil tanker collided with a car driven by Rajpal Singh Johal, killing him and injuring his family. The claimants (his parents, wife, and children) sought compensation under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, while the insurer challenged the quantum of award and the interest rate. The Motor Accident Claims Tribunal initial…

The father of the appellant, an Executive Engineer earning a gross salary of Rs.26,950 per month, died in a motor accident. The Motor Accidents Claims Tribunal computed his net monthly income by deducting contributions to the General Provident Fund, house rent, GIS and income tax, arriving at Rs.15,784 and awarded Rs.1…

The appellant, Santosh Devi, claimed compensation under Section 166 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 for the death of her husband, a self‑employed dairy farmer, in a road accident caused by the negligent driving of another vehicle. The Motor Accident Claims Tribunal awarded Rs.1,32,000 with a 12% interest, applying a mu…

The appellant, K.S. Muralidhar, suffered a severe spinal injury resulting in 100% functional disability after his company vehicle collided with a negligently driven lorry. The Tribunal awarded Rs.58,09,930 plus interest and future medical expenses, while the Karnataka High Court enhanced the award to Rs.78,16,390, calc…

The appellant Kavin, aged 21, suffered 100% permanent disability in a bus accident and claimed Rs.1 crore compensation under Section 166 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. The Motor Accident Claims Tribunal awarded Rs.67,83,866, but the Madras High Court reduced it by Rs.19 lakh, cutting amounts for future medical expens…

The petitioners, the husband and son of a 39‑year‑old housewife who died in a road accident, claimed compensation under Section 166 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. The Motor Accident Claims Tribunal initially awarded Rs 6 lakhs based on the notional income provision of Clause 6 of the Second Schedule but reduced it to…

The appellants, heirs of a businessman who died when a bus collided with his motorcycle in August 2008, claimed compensation under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. The Motor Accident Claims Tribunal awarded Rs 31,41,000 with 9% interest, but the Delhi High Court reduced the amount to Rs 16,97,370, excluding the deceased's…

The Supreme Court, acting suo motu, examined the problem of large sums of unclaimed compensation lying with Motor Accident Claims Tribunals (MACTs) and Labour Courts under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 and the Workmen’s Compensation Act, 1923, after an email from a retired district judge highlighted the issue. The Court…

The petitioner, an orthopaedic surgeon, filed a writ petition under Article 32 seeking the Supreme Court’s intervention to enforce the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 and related regulations to curb the high incidence of road accidents in India and to improve post‑accident care. The Court examined the extensive data on accide…

Kalpanaraj, the legal representative of a deceased 46‑year‑old motorcyclist, filed a claim for compensation under s.166 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 on behalf of his wife and two minor children. The Motor Accident Claims Tribunal had awarded Rs.20.90 lacs based on a monthly income of Rs.15,000 and a multiplier of 18…

Mahindra & Mahindra Financial Services Ltd. (the appellant) had extended a loan for the purchase of a transport vehicle. When the borrower defaulted, the financier repossessed the vehicle and contested liability to pay motor vehicle tax under the Uttar Pradesh Motor Vehicles Taxation Act, 1997. The High Court held that…

An accident on a national highway caused the death of a pillion rider when his motorcycle collided with a stationary lorry. The claimants obtained a compensation award from the Motor Accidents Claims Tribunal, holding the truck owner, driver, insurer and the motorcycle rider liable. The truck owner and rider appealed t…

The Supreme Court heard an appeal by the original claimants seeking enhancement of compensation awarded under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 for the death of a 25‑year‑old housewife who was also engaged in tuition work and was pregnant at the time of a vehicular accident. The Motor Accident Claim Tribunal had awarded Rs …

The appellant, a 29‑year‑old driver earning Rs 8,500 per month, was injured in a motor‑vehicle collision that left him with 75% permanent disability, causing loss of livelihood. He claimed compensation under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. The Motor Accident Claims Tribunal awarded a lump‑sum of Rs 7,00,000, which the Hi…

In 2001 a Tata Sumo collided head‑on with a truck, killing two passengers and injuring others who were travelling as gratuitous passengers. The claimants obtained compensation from the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal, but the Tribunal held that the insurer of the Tata Sumo was not liable because the victims were gratuit…

The Supreme Court examined whether mobile service providers (MSPs) could claim CENVAT credit on excise duties paid for mobile towers and prefabricated buildings (PFBs) used in their networks. The dispute arose from conflicting decisions of the Bombay High Court, which held the towers and PFBs to be immovable property a…

The Managing Director of a company was injured while travelling in a car owned by the company and insured with National Insurance Company Ltd. He claimed compensation under Sections 140, 147 and 166 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, and the Motor Accident Claim Tribunal held the insurer liable. The insurer appealed, arg…

The claimant, Surendra Nath Loomba, lost both eyes when a car insured by Oriental Insurance Company Ltd. collided with a tree; he claimed compensation under Section 166 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. The Motor Accident Claims Tribunal awarded Rs.20,97,984, which the High Court reduced to Rs.16,42,656, holding the ins…

The claimant, Sudarsan Puhan, suffered paraplegia after a motorcycle accident and obtained a compensation award of Rs.24,62,065 from the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. Both the claimant and the insurer appealed to the Orissa High Court; the insurer's appeal was partially allowed, red…

Ashok Kumar, a 30‑year‑old salesman earning Rs 3,000 per month, died in a bus accident. His heirs filed a claim under Section 166 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. The Motor Accident Claims Tribunal awarded only Rs 50,000, while the High Court increased the award to Rs 3,98,500 but neither added a benefit for future pro…

The State Transport Commissioner invited applications for four stage‑carriage permits on the Samana‑Amritsar route. Two permits were granted to the Pepsu Road Transport Corporation (PRTC) and the remaining two were withheld. The appellants filed appeals, which were pending when the Motor Vehicles Act, 1939 was repealed…

K. Suresh was injured in a motor vehicle accident and the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal awarded Rs.25,00,000 in various heads including permanent disability and loss of earning capacity. The Madras High Court reduced the award to Rs.9,78,000, deleting the permanent disability component and lowering other heads, reason…

In 2013 a car collided with a 14‑wheeler that had been abandoned in the middle of a highway without any warning lights or markers, killing the car's driver and three passengers while one passenger, Smt. Sushma, survived with injuries. The claimants filed compensation claims under the Motor Vehicles Act against the owne…

The Supreme Court examined a challenge to the recruitment of Assistant Inspectors of Motor Vehicles (Group‑C) in Maharashtra, where a petitioner who had never applied for the post sought to quash the 2016 recruitment Rules, the advertisements of 2017 and the select list of 832 candidates. The High Court had allowed the…

The appellant, a father, lost his five‑year‑old son when a tanker struck the boy as they walked to school on a road that had no footpath or pedestrian crossing. The father filed a claim for Rs 25,00,000 before the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal, which awarded Rs 7,82,000 with interest; the High Court later reduced the …

The General Insurance Council and several insurers filed a writ petition under Article 32 of the Constitution alleging that police and other agencies were not complying with Supreme Court directions concerning the disposal of vehicles seized in criminal investigations. They contended that non‑compliance of Sections 451…

The appellants, the family of Smt. Tarawati who was killed by a negligent truck driver, challenged the compensation awarded by the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal and enhanced by the High Court under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. They contended that the deceased's age was incorrectly taken as 60 years, that her monthly …

The appellant, N. Suresh, was severely injured in a motor accident caused by the rash driving of a lorry, resulting in 90% permanent disability of his right leg and 50-60% facial disability. He claimed compensation under Section 166 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, asserting a monthly income of over Rs.8,000 prior to t…

The parents of Deepak, a 29‑year‑old assistant teacher who died in a bus‑truck collision, filed a claim under Section 166 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. The Motor Accident Claims Tribunal awarded compensation of Rs 61.20 million using a multiplier of 17 based on the deceased’s age, plus conventional heads. The Bombay…

The widowed wife of Om Prakash, who died in a road accident on 12‑08‑1995 when his truck was struck by Truck No. DIL‑5955, filed a claim for compensation under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. The offending truck was comprehensively insured by National Insurance Co. Ltd. (respondent No.2). The Motor Accident Claims Tribun…

The case involved a claim for compensation under the Motor Vehicles Act after a tractor allegedly ran over Ram Kanwar, resulting in his death. The Motor Accident Claims Tribunal had awarded Rs. 21,38,000 to the claimants, finding the tractor driver negligent, but the Punjab and Haryana High Court reversed the award, ho…

The claimants, wife and son of the deceased Chakradhar Dubey, filed a motor accident claim after he was injured and later died following a collision between his car and a truck (MP-19-HA-1197). The First Additional Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT) awarded compensation of Rs. 50,41,289 against the truck driver and …

The Supreme Court examined whether the Karnataka State Government, while modifying road‑transport schemes under section 102 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, must record reasons for its decision. The Court held that modification of a scheme is a quasi‑judicial function and, therefore, the State must give a reasoned orde…

The appellant, a cleaner, suffered comminuted fractures of both tibiae in a road accident on 15 May 2015 and claimed compensation under the Motor Vehicles Act. The Motor Accident Claims Tribunal awarded Rs 21,08,400, but the Karnataka High Court reduced the permanent disability assessment to 20% and the award to Rs 7,3…

The Supreme Court examined an appeal by the parents of a 21‑22‑year‑old civil engineering student who died in a motor vehicle accident. The Motor Accident Claims Tribunal had fixed the deceased’s future loss of income at Rs.15,000 per month and applied a multiplier of 14 based on the parents’ age, awarding Rs.12,85,000…

The wife and children of a deceased Head Constable filed a claim under Sections 166 and 168 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 seeking Rs 50 lakh after a bus in which he was a passenger fell into the Chenab River. The Motor Accidents Claims Tribunal awarded Rs 17,73,704 and the Punjab & Haryana High Court enhanced it to R…

The appellant, a two‑year‑old girl, suffered near‑total loss of lower‑limb function in a 1998 motor‑vehicle accident and was later certified by a Medical Board as having almost 100% permanent disability. The Motor Vehicles Tribunal dismissed her claim on technical grounds, but the Madras High Court set aside that dismi…

The appellant, a 25‑year‑old roadside cheese vendor, suffered fractures in a motor accident and claimed compensation for loss of future earnings. The Motor Accident Claims Tribunal awarded a modest sum, basing the claimant's monthly income on the minimum wage and deducting one‑third for personal expenses, while treatin…

The deceased, a 24‑year‑old self‑employed motorcyclist, was killed when his bike was struck by a car driven by respondent No.3. The father and sister of the deceased filed a claim under Section 166 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 for compensation, which was initially awarded by the MACT at Rs.3,39,208. The Punjab & Har…

The appellant, a 35‑year‑old constable, suffered severe head injury, loss of speech, memory and mobility after being hit by a Gujarat State Road Transport Corporation bus. He filed a claim under Section 166 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, seeking Rs 4 lakh compensation for medical expenses, loss of earnings, permanent…

The appellants filed a claim under Section 166 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 for compensation after a motorcycle accident that killed Ramniwas, and also claimed "no fault" compensation under Section 140, which was paid by the insurer. The Tribunal held that the deceased was at fault, rejected the Section 166 claim, a…

A privately owned car met with a fatal accident killing the driver and four occupants, while a fifth passenger was injured. The heirs of the deceased filed claims under the Workmen's Compensation Act and the Motor Accidents Claims Tribunal, both of which were rejected, including a denial of "no‑fault" compensation unde…

The appellant, Surendra Kumar Bhilawe, owned an Ashok Leyland truck that was insured by New India Assurance. The truck was involved in a serious accident in November 2011, and the appellant filed a claim for the loss. The insurer denied the claim, alleging that the vehicle had been sold in 2008 to Mohammad Iliyas Ansar…

The parents of a 25‑year‑old widowed engineer who died in a motor accident claimed compensation under the Motor Vehicles Act. The Tribunal awarded Rs.15,71,000, applying a 100% increase for future income rise, a one‑third deduction for personal expenses, and a multiplier of 16. The Gujarat High Court altered the award …

The appellant R. Halle, a 30‑year‑old manager, suffered grievous injuries including head injury, facial injuries and a left femur fracture in a head‑on collision with a motorcycle driven by R. Chinnadurhi. The Motor Accidents Claims Tribunal (MACT) certified a permanent physical disability of 63% and awarded Rs 65,53,8…

The appellant, Jakir Hussein, a professional driver, suffered grievous injuries to his right arm in a collision caused by the negligent driving of Sabir, rendering him permanently disabled and unable to earn a livelihood as a driver. The claim petition under Section 166 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 sought compensati…

The owner of a jeep obtained a motor insurance policy covering six occupants, including the driver. The vehicle, however, was carrying fifteen passengers when it met with an accident, resulting in multiple deaths and injuries. Claimants filed compensation claims, and the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal held the insurer …

The deceased, a 53‑year‑old senior assistant of Karnataka Electricity Board, died in a road accident caused by a van owned by the first respondent. The claim petition under Section 166 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 was decided by the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT) with a multiplier of 11, awarding Rs.14,27,496…

The appellant, Ravi, a minor, was severely injured when a truck reversed and struck him, resulting in permanent 50% disability. His father lodged the FIR three months after the accident, citing the child's critical condition and lack of legal awareness as reasons for the delay. The Motor Accident Claims Tribunal and th…

The case involves an alleged murder of Daxaben, where the husband (respondent No.2) was accused of conspiring with co‑accused to kill her for insurance money and stage it as an accident. The investigation produced extensive material, including call records and a charge‑sheet linking the accused to the crime under Secti…

The deceased, a 28‑year‑old, died in a motor accident and his wife, minor daughter, father and sister claimed compensation under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. The Motor Accident Claims Tribunal awarded Rs 20.64 lakh based on a notional monthly income of Rs 10,000, a 30% uplift for future prospects and a one‑quarter ded…

The deceased, a 32‑year‑old fish‑vendor‑cum‑driver, died in a 2015 road accident caused by a rash driver of a car insured by United India Insurance Co. The claimants (wife, minor son and mother) sought compensation under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, including loss of dependency. The Tribunal awarded Rs 32,39,000, whic…

The appellant, a 20‑year‑old data‑entry operator, lost his right hand in a motor‑vehicle accident and claimed compensation under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. The Motor Accident Claims Tribunal assessed his disability at 89% but reduced it to 45% and used a monthly income of Rs 8,000, omitting a 50% addition for future…

A 17‑year‑old student suffered an 80% permanent disability in a motor accident and became bedridden, requiring lifelong care. The Motor Accident Claims Tribunal awarded the parents compensation of Rs.18,75,800 with 7.5% interest. The Andhra Pradesh High Court reduced the award to Rs.12,45,800, relying on the precedent …

The claimants filed a petition under Section 166 of the Motor Vehicles Act for compensation after a truck, allegedly without a valid permit, struck a motorcycle on 19‑02‑2013, causing the rider's death. The insurer contended that the vehicle was unpermitted and the driver unlicensed, invoking Section 149(2) to deny lia…

The owner of a bus paid the premium for a motor vehicle insurance policy by cheque, which later bounced. The bus was involved in an accident causing the death of a passenger, and the claimants sought compensation from the insurer, United India Insurance Co. Ltd. The insurer argued that the policy was void due to non-pa…

The appellant, a 21‑year‑old veterinary student and state‑level volleyball player, suffered quadriplegia and 100% disability after being hit by a car, and claimed compensation under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. The Motor Accident Claims Tribunal awarded Rs 5,16,000, which the High Court enhanced to Rs 15,25,600 by ass…

The Regional Transport Authority sought to replace a stage‑carriage vehicle under a permit, but the applicant's request to use an older vehicle was rejected under Rule 174(2)(c) of the Kerala Motor Vehicle Rules, 1989. The High Court held the rule ultra‑vires the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, a view the Supreme Court rejec…

The appellant, owner of two vehicles, claimed that United India Insurance Company should indemnify him for the death of his employee, Ramesh Lalmani Yadav, who was a cleaner and died while filling water in the radiator of a second vehicle on the employer's direction. The Labour Court held the owner jointly liable with …

A 33‑year‑old unmarried man was killed by a lorry on a highway. His mother, brother and later the mother’s daughter filed a claim under Section 166 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 seeking compensation. The Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT) awarded Rs.1,71,600 using a multiplier of 16 based on the deceased’s age and…

The heirs of a deceased motor accident victim filed a claim under Section 166 of the Motor Vehicles Act for fault-based compensation and later filed a separate claim under Section 163A for no‑fault compensation. The Motor Accident Claims Tribunal awarded compensation under Section 163A and subsequently permitted the cl…

The Supreme Court examined the widespread filing of fraudulent compensation claims under the Motor Vehicles Act and the Workmen's Compensation Act, as investigated by a Special Investigating Team (SIT) in Uttar Pradesh. The SIT reported 1,376 suspicious claims, of which 247 had been examined, leading to 92 criminal cas…

The appellant, a 19‑year‑old utensil seller, suffered paraplegia and a 45% permanent disability in a road accident on 18 July 2012. The Motor Accidents Claims Tribunal awarded Rs 6,13,000 in compensation, which the Karnataka High Court enhanced to Rs 9,26,800 by increasing the notional monthly income to Rs 7,000 and th…

The appellants, parents of a seven‑year‑old child who died after being struck by a motorcycle, filed a claim under Section 163‑A of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 for compensation. The Motor Accidents Claims Tribunal fixed the notional income of the deceased at Rs.15,000 per annum (as per Schedule‑II) and awarded Rs.2,25…

The claimants, the wife and two minor children of a deceased bus passenger, filed a claim petition under Section 166 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 against the insurer, driver and owner of the offending truck, seeking compensation for death. The Motor Accident Claims Tribunal dismissed the petition on the ground that …

The appellant, a merchant navy seaman earning USD 1,000, suffered a severe vehicular accident on 2 January 1997 resulting in amputation of his right upper limb below the elbow and required five surgeries. He claimed Rs 1.02 crore compensation under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, s.166 for permanent disability, but the M…

The claimant suffered severe injuries in a motor accident in 1999 and filed a claim under Section 166(1)(a) of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. The Motor Accidents Claims Tribunal awarded only Rs.1,00,000, which the claimant appealed; he died in 2015 of causes unrelated to the accident, and his daughter was substituted as…

The parents of 21‑year‑old Pradeep Tokas filed a claim under Section 166 of the Motor Vehicles Act after he died as a pillion rider in a collision with a stationary truck. The Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT) awarded compensation based on a notional monthly income of Rs 16,246, a multiplier of 15 derived from the …

The appellant Ravi Kapur was charged under IPC sections 279, 337, 338 and 304A for a bus accident that caused multiple deaths and injuries. The trial court acquitted him, holding that the prosecution failed to prove his identity as the driver and that procedural lapses, such as the absence of a test identification para…

The appellant, a 32‑year‑old private contractor, claimed compensation under Section 166 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, for injuries sustained in a road accident. The Motor Accident Claims Tribunal awarded Rs.4,06,400 with 8% interest, considering the nature of injuries and loss of future earnings. The insurer appeale…

The Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC), a State Transport Undertaking (STU), sought to enforce a scheme notified under Sections 99 and 100 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 that gave it exclusive rights on the Angamaly‑Perumbavoor route, a notified route. Private operator Baby P.P. applied to the Regional Tr…

Jagbir Singh purchased a tractor with a loan from Central Bank of India. The tractor was initially insured but the insurance was not renewed after May 2005. On 24 September 2007 the uninsured tractor was involved in a fatal accident, and a Motor Accident Claims Tribunal awarded compensation against the driver and owner…

The deceased, K.H.M. Shivamurthaiah, died in a motor vehicle accident, leaving behind a family dependent on his earnings from agriculture, milk‑vending and tractor‑hiring. The Motor Accidents Claim Tribunal (MACT) awarded compensation based on a notional monthly income of Rs.10,000, which the High Court reduced to Rs.8…

The deceased, a 35‑year‑old farmer who cultivated 66 acres and owned 12 acres, died in a motor vehicle accident caused by the negligent driving of a truck. The claimants filed a petition under Section 166 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 and the Motor Accident Claim Tribunal awarded Rs 6,60,000, which the High Court lat…

The deceased, Gohar Mohammed, was killed when his car was rear‑ended by a bus owned by Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation. The Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT) awarded Rs.31.90 lakh compensation, holding the owner liable because the vehicle was operated without a valid permit and in breach of insurance…

The appellant, a 26‑year‑old motorcyclist, was injured in a collision with a mini‑lorry owned by the second and third respondents and insured by the first respondent. He claimed Rs 40 lakhs compensation, but the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal assessed his permanent disability at 10% and awarded Rs 9 lakhs, later reduce…

The Supreme Court examined the presence of retail liquor shops on national and state highways after the Union Government, through expert bodies and advisories, highlighted the danger of drunken driving on these roads. The petitioners (State of Tamil Nadu and other states) sought a blanket prohibition on granting licenc…

The claimants, parents of a deceased school teacher, filed a petition under Section 166 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 seeking compensation after a bus accident that killed their son. The bus driver and the transport undertaking argued that the accident resulted from a sudden mechanical failure of the belt of springs,…

The appellant, Chandramani Nanda, suffered severe head injuries in a motor vehicle accident on 16 January 2014, resulting in 100% functional disability and loss of earning capacity. The Motor Accident Claims Tribunal awarded him ₹20,60,385, which the High Court enhanced to ₹30,99,873 by treating his disability as 100% …

The appellant, Amrit Paul Singh, challenged a Motor Accident Claims Tribunal award that held Tata AIG General Insurance liable to pay compensation for a fatal road accident involving a truck that lacked a valid transport permit. The High Court affirmed the tribunal's decision, and the Supreme Court examined whether the…

The parents of Satendra Kumar Jain, a 30‑year‑old self‑employed bachelor who died in a motor accident, claimed loss of dependency under Section 166 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. The Motor Accidents Claims Tribunal awarded Rs 6,24,000, which the Delhi High Court enhanced to Rs 12,61,800 by fixing a monthly income of …

The appellant, Sushilaben Gandhi, claimed compensation under a Motor Vehicles Act claim for the death of her husband, Dr. Alpesh I. Gandhi, who died in a bus accident owned by the Rotary Eye Institute. The insurer, New India Assurance, denied liability invoking a limitation of liability clause that excludes deaths occu…

The appellant, a 29‑year‑old professional driver, lost his left leg in a bus accident and claimed compensation under s.166 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. The Motor Vehicle Accident Claims Tribunal fixed his annual income at Rs 15,000 and a 60% loss of efficiency, awarding Rs 2,75,000. The High Court raised his income…

The appellant, Prakash Chand Daga, sold his Santro car to Saveta Sharma on 11 September 2009 and the vehicle was involved in an accident on 9 October 2009, injuring Rakesh Kumar. The Motor Accident Claims Tribunal awarded compensation of Rs.12.47 lakh, holding the driver and the first respondent (the buyer) liable. The…

The appellants, manufacturers and dealers including M/s. Tata Motors Ltd., challenged tax assessments levied by the State of Jharkhand under Section 6 of the Bihar Motor Vehicles Taxation Act, 1994, which imposed tax on motor‑vehicle chassis while in the possession of the manufacturer or dealer before delivery. The key…

The appellant Citicorp Maruti Finance Ltd. entered into a hire‑purchase agreement with the respondent for a Maruti Omni. After the respondent defaulted on monthly instalments, the bank repossessed the vehicle, informed police, and later auctioned it to a third party. The respondent filed a complaint before the Consumer…

Hari Ram died in a motor accident on 22 November 2010 while riding a three‑wheeler driven by Ram Kishan and insured by IFFCO Tokio. His wife, son and mother claimed compensation under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. The Motor Accident Claims Tribunal awarded Rs 4,33,000 using a multiplier of 9, based on an alleged age of…

A motor accident on 10 May 2012 resulted in the death of Sanoj Kumar. The victims filed a claim before the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal, which awarded compensation but absolved the insurer on the ground that the driver, Shivgyani, held a fake licence. The vehicle owner appealed, arguing that the insurer should remain…

The deceased Parvez Khan was killed in a motor accident while driving a truck that was owned by defendant No.1 (Santosh Dental Hospital) and insured by Oriental Insurance Co. Ltd. The claimant, the deceased's father, sought compensation under the Workmen's Compensation Act. The Workmen's Compensation Commissioner award…

The case involved a fatal road accident in which Sitaram, a government school teacher, was riding a motorcycle that collided with a bus owned by the Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation and driven rashly by its driver. The claimants sought compensation under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, and the Motor Accident Cl…

M/S I.C.D.S. Ltd., a non‑banking finance company, purchased trucks and leased them to third parties, registering the vehicles in the lessees' names. The company claimed depreciation under Section 32 of the Income Tax Act, 1961 at both the normal and higher rates, arguing it owned the trucks and used them in its leasing…

A 12‑year‑old boy died when a jeep struck him while he was playing outside his house. The mother filed a claim petition under Sections 140, 166 and 171 of the Motor Vehicles Act seeking Rs 2,00,000 compensation. The Motor Accident Claims Tribunal awarded Rs 1,50,000 and the High Court enhanced it only to the claimed am…

The Supreme Court examined whether a motor insurer can challenge a Motor Accident Claims Tribunal award on the quantum of compensation and whether it may join the vehicle owner in an appeal. The Court held that when an insurer is impleaded as a party‑respondent, it may contest the claim on any ground and may jointly ap…

The Supreme Court was asked to consider whether a holder of a light motor vehicle (LMV) licence may drive a transport vehicle of the same class (unladen weight up to 7,500 kg) without a separate endorsement. The issue arose from the earlier decision in Mukund Dewangan v. Oriental Insurance Co., which had interpreted th…

A. Sridhar, while riding a motorcycle with a pillion rider, met with an accident on 14 January 1998 due to an oil spill on the road, sustaining grievous injuries. He filed a claim under Section 166 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 seeking Rs. 6,00,000 as compensation, and the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal awarded Rs. 1…

A pillion rider of a motorcycle insured by United India Insurance suffered injuries in an accident caused by an oil spill. A medical doctor certified that the rider had a 75% disability, and the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal awarded compensation of Rs. 3,50,000. The High Court enhanced the compensation to Rs. 4,90,000…

The appellant's son was driving a Maruti Alto that collided with a gas tanker lorry, killing him and five passengers. The police filed an FIR under IPC sections 279 and 304A, but the charges against the son abated due to his death. After a further investigation, the police submitted a final report stating the accident …

The case arose from a fatal road accident in 2008 where a three-wheeler was struck by a truck. The victims' representatives filed claims under Section 166 of the Motor Vehicles Act against the truck's owner, driver, and insurer. The Motor Accident Claims Tribunal held the insurer liable, finding that the truck driver p…

The petitioner filed contempt petitions alleging that the respondents, including state transport authorities and the contractor M/s Utsav Safety Systems Pvt. Ltd., failed to implement the High Security Registration Plates (HSRP) scheme in accordance with Supreme Court orders dated 8 December 2011, which prohibit sub‑co…

A Sub‑Inspector aged 36 died in a motor accident, leaving six dependants who claimed compensation under the Motor Vehicles Act. The Motor Accident Claims Tribunal awarded Rs 14,44,600, which the Delhi High Court enhanced to Rs 14,65,776 by assuming future salary growth, a 30% tax deduction and a 13‑year multiplier. The…

The deceased Sub‑Inspector of the CRPF was injured in a road accident and claimed compensation under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. The Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT) initially awarded compensation based on a 61.94% disability assessed by a Medical Board, but on reconsideration a Commissioner appointed by the Tri…

The Supreme Court examined the implementation of the National Auto Fuel Policy and Bharat Stage‑IV (BS‑IV) emission norms, which required that from 1 April 2017 no vehicle non‑compliant with BS‑IV could be sold or registered in India. Automobile manufacturers intervened, arguing that they could continue to sell their e…

The deceased H.S. Ravi, a 45‑year‑old self‑employed transport businessman, died in a road accident on 14‑12‑2006. The Motor Accident Claims Tribunal awarded Rs 7,85,000 as compensation. The Karnataka High Court enhanced the award to Rs 14,69,372 by averaging the deceased’s income over two assessment years and applying …

Mahadeo Krishna Naik, a bus driver for Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC), was dismissed after a fatal accident in 1996. The Labour Court upheld his dismissal, but the corporation later obtained a Motor Accidents Claims Tribunal (MACT) award that placed sole blame on the lorry driver, a fact it failed…

The Himachal Pradesh government imposed a special road tax under s.3A(3) of the Himachal Pradesh Motor Vehicles Taxation Act, 1972 on transport vehicles operating without a valid permit. The High Court struck down this provision, holding it to be a penalty and ultra‑vires the State’s legislative competence under List I…

The deceased government employee died in a road accident caused by a negligent dumper driver, and her major married sons filed a claim for compensation under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. The Tribunal awarded compensation based on the deceased's net salary, applying a 50% deduction for personal expenses and a multiplie…

The appellants, legal representatives of two deceased motorcyclists, claimed compensation under Section 166 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, alleging that a canter lorry driven by respondent No.1 caused the fatal accident. The Motor Accident Claims Tribunal and the Karnataka High Court dismissed the claims, finding tha…

The appellant, a 36‑year‑old advocate, suffered grievous injuries including loss of strength and sensation in all four limbs after a motorbike accident. He claimed compensation under Section 166 of the Motor Vehicles Act, and the Tribunal awarded Rs.6,17,500 as loss of future income based on a 50% whole‑body disability…

The deceased employee died in a motor vehicle accident and his family claimed compensation under Section 168 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. The Motor Accidents Claim Tribunal awarded Rs 40,90,000, but the insurer argued that the monthly Rs 50,082 received by the family under the Employees Family Benefit (EFB) Scheme …

The appellants claimed compensation under Section 166 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 after the death of the deceased, who was aged 50 years and 3 months, alleging loss of dependency and future prospects. The Motor Accident Claims Tribunal applied a multiplier of 13, considering the deceased in the 40‑50 year age group…

The Supreme Court considered an appeal by the married daughter (appellant No.1) and the mother (appellant No.2) of a woman who died in a road accident. The High Court had reduced the daughter’s compensation to Rs.50,000 and dismissed the mother’s claim, relying on Manjuri Bera. The Court held that a married daughter ca…

The appellant, a foreman, suffered partial loss of eyesight and amputation of a finger in a motor vehicle accident caused by the negligence of a state transport corporation driver. The Motor Accident Claims Tribunal awarded him a total compensation of Rs.5,05,053.45, including Rs.1,50,000 for permanent disability. The …

A fire broke out on 10 April 2006 at the India Brand Consumer Show in Meerut, killing 65 people and injuring 161. The victims filed a writ petition under Article 32 seeking compensation from the event organizers (Mrinal Events and Expositions) and the State of Uttar Pradesh, alleging negligence and violation of the rig…

Pearl Beverages' Porsche, insured with IFFCO Tokio, was destroyed in a high‑speed crash on 22 December 2007. The driver, Aman Bangia, was reported to have smelled of alcohol and was later convicted under IPC 279 for rash driving, but no breath or blood test was conducted. IFFCO Tokio denied the claim invoking an exclus…

The case involved the widow and minor children of Bijender Singh, a 33‑year‑old clerk who died in a motor accident. They claimed compensation under Section 166 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. The Motor Accident Claims Tribunal awarded Rs 8,96,500, which the High Court increased to Rs 10,17,000 after applying the Sarla…

The appellant corporation’s bus collided with a motorcyclist, leading to a claim for compensation under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. The Motor Accident Claim Tribunal awarded Rs.24,73,252, which the corporation appealed to the Allahabad High Court under Section 173 of the Act. The High Court dismissed the appeal witho…

The appellant, a 46‑year‑old tourist‑taxi driver, suffered fractures to his right arm and leg in a collision with a bus operated by the respondent. He claimed compensation under s.166 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, asserting functional disability of 35% that impaired his earning capacity. The Motor Accident Claims Tr…

The Himachal Pradesh Bus Stand Management and Development Authority (HPBSM&DA) obtained a 99‑year lease on forest land that had been diverted for a parking space and a bus stand under Forest (Conservation) Act orders of 1997 and 2001. It then authorised a private contractor to construct a Bus Stand‑cum‑Parking Complex …

Alister Anthony Pareira was convicted for causing the death of seven labourers and grievous injuries to eight others by driving a car rashly and negligently while under the influence of alcohol. The Supreme Court examined whether a person could be tried and convicted under both s.304(Part II) IPC (culpable homicide not…

The heirs of Prem Chand and labourer Nikku Ram filed claim petitions after a truck, owned by Jitender Gupta on the registration but possessed by Salig Ram, met with a fatal accident. The Motor Accident Claims Tribunal awarded compensation but held only Salig Ram liable, ignoring the fact that the registration still nam…

The appellant, a child of seven years, suffered grievous injuries and moderate mental retardation in a motor vehicle accident, resulting in 75% disability which the Court treated as 100% for compensation purposes. The Motor Accident Claims Tribunal awarded Rs.5,90,750, which the Delhi High Court enhanced by Rs.5,60,000…

The owner of a goods vehicle insured the truck with National Insurance Co. and hired it to transport goods. During the journey the hirer and two of his labourers were killed in an accident. The legal heirs of the deceased filed claims under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. The Motor Accident Claims Tribunal held the insur…

The State Transport Authority of Bihar issued a temporary stage‑carriage permit for a vehicle to ply from Motihari (Bihar) to Siliguri (West Bengal) without the required counter‑signature of the West Bengal State Transport Authority. The vehicle was seized by the Motor Vehicle Department in Siliguri for lack of a valid…