In Brief
A truck involved in a fatal accident on 19 February 2013 lacked a valid transport permit (issued only on 27 February 2013). The claimants sued for compensation. The insurer opposed, arguing the vehicle had no permit under Section 66 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. The Motor Accident Claims Tribunal and High Court found the vehicle was operated without a permit, a fundamental statutory breach, and directed the insurer to pay compensation with recovery rights against the owner and driver. The Supreme Court held that absence of a valid permit is a categorical, documentable statutory infraction distinct from and more serious than driver licensing issues. The insurer must pay compensation to third parties; however, it can recover the amount from the owner and driver. The appeal was dismissed.
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