MANUARA KHATUN vs RAJESH KR. SINGH .

The Supreme Court upheld the decision of the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal, which awarded compensation to the claimants but exonerated the insurer of the Tata Sumo on the grounds that the deceased were 'gratuitous passengers'. The Court reiterated that under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, specifically Section 147, insurers are not liable for passengers traveling for hire without proper coverage. The appeals for enhancement of compensation were dismissed, affirming the Tribunal's findings on negligence and liability.