PURNYA KALA DEVI vs STATE OF ASSAM

The Supreme Court upheld the Gauhati High Court's decision that the registered owner of the vehicle, Abdul Salam, is liable for compensation under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, and not the State Government. The Court clarified that under Section 2(30) of the 1988 Act, ownership is determined by registration, and the State cannot be held liable for accidents involving requisitioned vehicles. The compensation was enhanced to Rs. 1,94,400, affirming the Tribunal's findings while rejecting the appellant's claim against the State.