#no-fault compensation

A pillion rider injured in a two-motorcycle collision can claim no-fault compensation under Section 163A of the Motor Vehicles Act without naming or impleading the driver of the other vehicle. The Karnataka HC affirms this right, upholding a Rs. 92,000 award with 7.5% interest from the date of accident, reinforcing that liability under Section 163A is statutory and independent of fault attribution to third parties.

The Punjab and Haryana High Court ruled that a person driving a borrowed vehicle cannot claim statutory no-fault compensation under Section 163-A or Section 164 of the Motor Vehicles Act, as they are not considered third parties. Only the contractual personal accident cover of ₹1,00,000 is payable, clarifying that statutory benefits extend only to true third-party victims, not those in privity with the vehicle owner.

Madras High Court reinforces that employers under the Workmen Compensation Act, 1923, cannot escape liability by merely alleging worker negligence. To deny compensation, employers must conclusively prove the worker's wilful violation of safety rules-a higher threshold that preserves the Act's no-fault liability principle. The ruling impacts all employers covered under the Act, emphasizing strict compliance with safety protocols to avoid compensation claims.

Punjab & Haryana High Court holds that Section 163-A mandates full compensation without apportioning liability to unimpleaded vehicles, reinforcing no-fault liability under Motor Vehicles Act.