ORIENTAL INSURANCE CO.LTD. vs SUDHAKARAN K.V.

The Supreme Court upheld the decision of the Kerala High Court affirming the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal's award under Section 173 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, which granted compensation for the death of a pillion rider. The Court established that a pillion rider is covered under the insurance policy, rejecting the appellant's claim that the deceased was a gratuitous passenger. The appeal was dismissed, affirming the liability of the insurance company to compensate the claimants.