In Brief
In this motor accident compensation case, a young man (aged 20) was killed in a collision with a transport vehicle in 2008. The High Court had enhanced compensation to Rs. 4,55,000 but exonerated the insurer because the driver lacked a valid heavy vehicle licence. The Supreme Court enhanced compensation further to Rs. 5,36,000 by applying a multiplier of 18 (instead of 15), better reflecting the deceased's young age and his young sister's dependency. Crucially, the Court held that an insurer cannot escape liability merely because the driver's licence was invalid; the insurer must prove negligence by the vehicle owner. Accordingly, the insurer remains liable but may recover from the vehicle owner.
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