Lachoo Ram & Ors vs Himachal Road Transport Corpn

The Supreme Court held that the High Court erred in substituting its findings for those of the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal, emphasizing that the standard of proof in civil cases is based on the preponderance of probabilities, not the higher standard applicable in criminal trials. The Court reinstated the Tribunal's award of Rs. 2,74,000 in compensation, including interest, as the evidence supported the claimants' assertion that the bus was involved in the accident due to the negligent driving of the bus driver. The judgment clarified the appropriate evidentiary standards in motor accident claims under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.