S.IYYAPAN vs M/S UNITED INDIA INSURANCE CO.LD.

The Supreme Court held that the right to claim compensation for road accident victims is statutory under the Motor Vehicles Act, which mandates compulsory insurance against third-party risks. The Court clarified that a driver licensed for light motor vehicles is not authorized to drive a commercial vehicle without the appropriate endorsement. The appeal was allowed, overturning the High Court's decision that denied liability based on the driver's licensing issue, thereby affirming the Tribunal's award of compensation to the claimant.