In Brief
A tractor driver negligently struck and killed a pedestrian on a rural road in 2004. The Motor Accident Claims Tribunal awarded Rs. 4.31 lakh compensation to the deceased's legal heirs (wife and son) and Rs. 10,000 to his father for loss of love and affection, holding the insurance company and tractor owner jointly liable. The High Court overturned this, claiming the claimants' allegations were false. The Supreme Court reversed the High Court, holding that the Tribunal's conclusion—supported by independent eyewitness testimony—was a reasonable view that could not be rejected on mere conjecture. The insurance company and tractor owner remain jointly and severally liable for the full compensation plus interest at 6% p.a."
The lawyer headnote and full judgment text are available to registered users.