Oriental Insurance Co.Ltd vs Sudhakaran K.V.& Ors

The Supreme Court upheld the decision of the Kerala High Court affirming the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal's award of Rs. 1,18,900 under Section 173 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. The court established that a pillion rider is covered under the insurance policy despite being a gratuitous passenger, referencing the precedent set in Oriental Insurance Co. Ltd. v. Ajay Kumar. The appeal by the insurance company was dismissed, affirming its liability to compensate for the death of the pillion rider due to negligent riding.