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 last admitted owner instead of the registered owner, as the vehicle was uninsured at the time of the accident. The Court reinstated the Tribunal's award holding the registered owner jointly and severally liable along with the driver for the accident resulting in death and injuries.