In Brief
A 26-year-old motorcyclist suffered grievous spinal injuries in a collision with an insured mini lorry in June 2012. He claimed ₹40 lakhs compensation. The Motor Accident Claims Tribunal awarded ₹9 lakhs but deducted 40% for alleged contributory negligence because the appellant failed to produce his driving licence. The High Court enhanced the award to ₹10,77,775 but upheld the 40% deduction. The Supreme Court allowed the appeal, holding that the contributory negligence finding was based on conjecture without evidence. Merely failing to produce a licence does not establish negligence unless the claimant's rash driving caused the accident. The appellant was awarded an additional ₹4.60 lakhs with 8% interest.
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