#Road Safety

The Supreme Court ordered insurers to honour motor-accident claims and insisted that every vehicle carry a valid third-party policy under Section 146. It also directed a standardized four-layer policy covering driver, passengers and vehicle, with technology-enabled enforcement and extended policy periods. The ruling impacts insurers, vehicle owners and regulators nationwide.

Himachal Pradesh High Court rules that probation under the Probation of Offenders Act cannot be granted for offences under IPC Sections 279 and 338, emphasizing deterrent sentencing to curb road accidents. The court rejected the plea despite the convict being a first-time offender with no criminal antecedents, citing Supreme Court precedent and the need to protect innocent lives.

Himachal Pradesh HC rules that criminal liability under Section 336 IPC cannot be imposed on NHAI officials without specific allegations of rash or negligent conduct. The judgment reinforces that vicarious liability in road maintenance cases demands direct evidence of individual fault, not merely organizational responsibility.