Mantoo Sarkar vs Oriental Insurance Co.Ltd.& Ors

The Supreme Court addressed the interpretation of Section 166(2) of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, regarding the territorial jurisdiction of the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal. The Court held that the Tribunal in Nainital had jurisdiction to entertain the claim due to the presence of a branch office of the insurance company there, despite the accident occurring in Uttar Pradesh. The High Court's ruling that the Tribunal lacked jurisdiction was overturned, affirming the Tribunal's award of Rs. 2,40,000 in favor of the claimant.