MONTFORD BORTHERS OF ST.GABRIEL vs UNITED INDIA INSURANCE .

The Supreme Court held that the appellants, a charitable society, were entitled to claim compensation under the Motor Vehicles Act for the death of a member who was a 'Brother' and had no natural heirs. The Court emphasized that the Insurance Company did not raise the issue of locus standi during the proceedings, thus affirming the Tribunal's award of Rs.2,52,000/- in favor of the appellants. The Court set aside the High Court's order which invalidated the Tribunal's decision, reinforcing the principle that a claim can be made by a society on behalf of its deceased member under the Motor Vehicles Act.