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Allahabad HC rules that compelling major adult claimants to invest motor accident compensation in fixed deposits violates their right to immediate access. The court directed full release of funds with accrued interest, reinforcing autonomy over compensation awards.
The Tripura High Court has ruled that linking a death to accident-related injuries-such as gangrene progressing to cancer-requires conclusive medical expert testimony. Without it, compensation awards based on speculative causation are unsustainable, setting a new benchmark for evidentiary rigor in personal injury claims involving delayed or complex medical outcomes.
Gauhati High Court rules that a motor insurance policy issued after the accident date but backdated is fraudulent and void ab initio, absolving the insurer of liability. The ruling underscores that claimants must recover compensation directly from the vehicle owner, not the insurer, regardless of a prior MACT award.
Karnataka High Court directs Motor Accident Claim Tribunals to continue recording evidence in pending claims, even if limitation periods are contested, until the Supreme Court provides final clarity in Bhagirathi Dash v. UOI. This ensures claimants are not prejudiced by procedural delays during ongoing litigation.
Himachal Pradesh High Court rules that amending a motor accident claim to change the deceased's status from 'passenger' to 'worker' fundamentally alters the cause of action, violating Order 6 Rule 17 CPC. The court held that such amendments, lacking due diligence and contradicting the FIR, cannot be permitted, impacting insurance liability and procedural fairness in accident claims.