BIMLESH vs NEW INDIA ASSURANCE CO.LTD.

The Supreme Court held that a claim petition under Section 163-A of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 is maintainable only if the claimant is a third party. The Court affirmed the High Court's decision that the deceased, being the owner and driver of the vehicle, does not qualify as a third party under the Act. The Court emphasized that the insurance policy's terms and the nature of the claim determine the liability of the Insurance Company, thus upholding the High Court's ruling that the claim was not maintainable against the Insurance Company.