United India Insurance Co. Ltd. v. Sukh Devi & Ors.

Delhi High Court · 17 Feb 2016 · 2016:DHC:1326
R. K. Gauba
MAC APP. No.547/2012
2016:DHC:1326
motor_vehicles / civil appeal_dismissed

AI Summary

The Delhi High Court dismissed the insurance company's appeal, holding the registered owner liable for compensation under Section 163-A of the Motor Vehicles Act despite unproven claims of prior vehicle transfer.

Full Text
Translation output
MAC APP. No.547/2012 HIGH COURT OF DELHI
Date of Decision: 17th February, 2016
MAC.APP. 547/2012 & CM APPL. 9006/2012
UNITED INDIA INSURANCE CO. LTD. ..... Appellant
Through: Mr. Sameer Nandwani, Adv.
VERSUS
SUKH DEVI & ORS ..... Respondents
Through: Mr. Anshuman Bal, Adv. for R-1 & 2.
CORAM:
HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE R.K.GAUBA
JUDGMENT
R.K.GAUBA, J (ORAL):

1. The insurance company presses this appeal on the short ground that the fourth respondent Jaswant Singh (second respondent before the tribunal) in the course of inquiry, on the claim petition under Section 163-A of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 (the MV Act), registered as MAC petition no.1358/2010, had taken the position that he had transferred the motor vehicle in question to one Dharmender before the accident. The insurance company contends that in face of this fact liability to indemnify could not have been fastened.

2. Having heard the learned counsel and perused record, it is noted that the contention of the owner (fourth respondent) of the motor vehicle about sale of the vehicle was not believed and he was held vicariously liable to pay 2016:DHC:1326 MAC APP. No.547/2012 the compensation since the vehicle has continued to be registered in his name. In this view, the plea of insurance company is unmerited. The appeal, with pending application, is dismissed.

3. The statutory deposit, if made, shall be refunded.

R.K. GAUBA (JUDGE) FEBRUARY 17, 2016 ssc