#motor accident liability

Madras High Court rules that the original vehicle owner remains vicariously liable for accidents occurring post-sale if the registration and insurance transfer processes are not fully completed, even with a No Objection Certificate. The judgment underscores the legal obligation to notify insurers and transport authorities to avoid perpetual liability under tort and insurance law.

The Supreme Court ruled that when a vehicle is requisitioned by the State for public purposes like elections, the requisitioning authority-not the insurer-bears liability for accidents. This holding clarifies that statutory control under the Motor Vehicles Act overrides legal ownership, directly impacting government bodies and insurers in similar claims.