Naveen Kumar vs Vijay Kumar And Ors

The Supreme Court held that under Section 2(30) of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, the registered owner of a vehicle is deemed the owner unless exceptions apply, such as minors or hire purchase agreements. The Court found that the High Court erred in attributing liability to the registered owner who had transferred the vehicle prior to the accident, emphasizing that the Tribunal's award against the registered owner was justified. The appeal was allowed, reinstating the Tribunal's decision to hold the registered owner jointly and severally liable along with the driver of the vehicle.