In Brief
Parents of Shaji Shivaji Dudhade, who died in a car accident in 2010, claimed compensation under Section 163A of the Motor Vehicles Act. The MACT awarded Rs 4,60,800 with 9% interest. The High Court set aside this award, holding that Section 163A protects only innocent third parties, not a deceased driver who caused the accident. The Supreme Court reversed the High Court, holding that insurers cannot raise a negligence defence under Section 163A. The provision aims to provide expedited compensation through a structured formula, regardless of fault, overcoming delays in fault-based claims. The Tribunal's award was restored.
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