#owner liability

The Himachal Pradesh High Court ruled that the State is deemed the 'owner' under Section 2(30) of the Motor Vehicles Act when it exercises actual control over a vehicle, regardless of legal registration. The Court enhanced compensation to ₹12.89 lakh with 7.5% interest, emphasizing that vicarious liability attaches to the entity in control, not merely the registered owner. This sets a precedent for state accountability in motor accident claims.

Bombay HC reaffirms that the registered owner of a vehicle is presumptively liable for negligent driving under Section 166 of the Motor Vehicles Act unless evidence proves a third-party cause. The ruling mandates compensation even in the absence of direct proof of the owner’s fault, reinforcing strict liability in motor accident claims.

Chhattisgarh High Court holds owner of uninsured tractor liable for compensation when driver is ex-parte and no challenge was made to FIR. Key precedent on vicarious liability under MV Act.

Bombay High Court holds bus owner liable under Section 304-A IPC for failing to maintain safety equipment, establishing that omission to comply with statutory safety norms constitutes criminal negligence.