In Brief
This Special Leave Petition addressed the widespread menace of fraudulent compensation claims filed under the Motor Vehicles Act and Workmen Compensation Act. The Court found that 1,376 suspicious claims had been registered with the Special Investigating Team in Uttar Pradesh, with 198 accused persons identified and 92 criminal cases registered. The judgment documented elaborate fraud schemes involving fake accidents, fabricated documents, and unethical advocacy. The Court approved Bar Council disciplinary action against 28 advocates and directed all States to establish SITs headed by senior police officers. The Court emphasized strict compliance with statutory accident reporting procedures and integration with national vehicle databases (VAHAN/SAARTHI) to prevent duplicate claims. Further directions await input from the Ministry of Transport on pan-India preventive measures."
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