NATIONAL INSURANCE CO. LTD. vs KANTI DEVI .

The Supreme Court upheld the decision of the Delhi High Court affirming the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal's award of Rs.2,24,800 to the claimant under Section 166 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. The Court clarified that the insurer cannot evade liability for compensation even if the driver lacked a valid driving license for the vehicle type, as established in United India Insurance Co. Ltd. v. Lehru. The insurer retains the right to recover the amount from the insured, reinforcing the principle that the victim's right to compensation is paramount.