State Of Punjab And Ors. vs Harjit Singh

The Supreme Court dismissed the appeal, holding that the respondent, who was not a party to the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal proceedings and was not found guilty of rash or negligent driving, could not be held liable for the recovery of compensation paid to the claimant. The Court emphasized that the respondent did not have an opportunity to defend himself in the original proceedings, thus rendering the recovery action unjustifiable. The decision reinforces the principle of fair hearing under Article 21 of the Constitution.