Supreme Court of India · 2004-01-05
National Insurance Co. Ltd vs Swaran Singh & Ors
- Citation / case number
- AIR 2004 SUPREME COURT 1531
- Court
- Supreme Court of India
- Petitioner
- National Insurance Co. Ltd
- Respondent
- Swaran Singh & Ors
- Bench
- Chief Justice, D.M. Dharmadhikari, S.B. Sinha
Judgment text excerpt
The Supreme Court interpreted Section 149(2)(a)(ii) of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, addressing the liabilities of insurers in cases where the driver of the vehicle involved in an accident lacked a valid driving license. The Court held that defenses based on the invalidity of the driving license, such as it being fake or expired, do not absolve the insurer from liability for claims arising from accidents. The judgment clarified that the insurer's obligations remain intact despite the driver's licensing issues, emphasizing the importance of public safety and the protection of victims' rights under the Act.