The Supreme Court highlighted that negligence in motor accident claims should not be assigned solely based on one party but requires a fair evaluation of all involved parties. A recent ruling overturned the dismissal of compensation claims in a 2009 fatal road accident case. The court criticized the lower forums for not properly considering the shared responsibility in head-on collision cases.
The apex court directed the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT) to reevaluate the case, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive and objective assessment of all parties’ conduct. The case stemmed from a tragic accident in Haryana where two individuals lost their lives in a collision with a Haryana Roadways bus.
Expressing dissatisfaction with the previous judgments, the Supreme Court stressed the importance of scrutinizing all aspects in cases of head-on collisions. The court noted the failure to consider crucial factors like driving behavior and impact points in determining negligence.
The Supreme Court also highlighted the significance of witness testimonies, pointing out the omission of key evidence by the bus driver. The court criticized the lower courts for absolving one party of negligence without thoroughly examining the roles of all involved parties. The bench set aside previous judgments and instructed a fresh assessment of the compensation claims.
