New India Assurance Co. Ltd vs Prabha Devi & Ors

The Supreme Court addressed the liability of an insurance company under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, specifically under Section 166, in cases where the deceased was the owner of the vehicle involved in the accident. The Court held that the legal heirs of the deceased owner could file a claim for compensation despite the insurer's argument that the deceased was not a passenger. The Court affirmed the MACT's decision to award Rs.3,20,000/- to the claimants, establishing that ownership does not preclude the right to claim compensation under the Act.