M/S. Godavari Finance Co vs Degala Satyanarayanamma And Others

The Supreme Court addressed whether a financer qualifies as an 'owner' of a motor vehicle under Section 2(30) of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. The Court held that ownership is determined by actual possession and control of the vehicle, not merely by registration or financing. The appeal was dismissed, affirming the liability of the financer alongside the registered owner, as the financer was not able to prove that the vehicle was under the control of another party at the time of the accident.