In Brief
Two young men, Sunil Singh (26) and Shivu (22), died in a motorcycle accident on 14 August 2013 near Sugur village. Their families claimed compensation, alleging a canter lorry (KA-20-AA-6786) hit their motorcycle through rash driving. The Motor Accident Claims Tribunal and High Court dismissed the claims, finding insufficient proof of the vehicle's involvement. The families appealed to the Supreme Court, arguing the lower courts misapplied the legal standard (preponderance of probabilities, not beyond reasonable doubt). The Supreme Court upheld dismissal, holding that even under the more liberal standard, claimants must prove three elements: the accident occurred, the specific vehicle was involved, and the driver was negligent. Here, key witnesses did not see the accident, contradictions abounded, the registration number was omitted from the initial complaint, and a motor vehicle inspection found no damage to the alleged vehicle despite fatal injuries. Sympathizing with the families' loss, the Court held that legal principles cannot be suspended on grounds of emotion alone; liability requires credible proof.
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