The Supreme Court of India has ruled that insurance companies are not responsible for paying compensation to the families of drivers who die as a result of their own reckless or negligent driving. This decision was made in a case where a man, N S Ravisha, died in a car accident after driving rashly and negligently. His family had claimed Rs 80 lakh in compensation from the insurance company, but the court dismissed their petition.
According to the court, the family members of the deceased cannot demand an insurance payout when the death is caused by the deceased’s own mistake, without any external factors being involved. The court upheld the decision of the Karnataka High Court, which had previously rejected the family’s claim for compensation.
The accident occurred on June 18, 2014, when Ravisha was driving a Fiat Linea at high speed, breaking traffic rules and losing control of the vehicle. He succumbed to his injuries, and his family claimed compensation, citing his high monthly income as a contractor. However, the police investigation and the Motor Accident Tribunal both concluded that the accident was caused by Ravisha’s rash and negligent driving.
The Karnataka High Court had stated that when a claim is made by the legal representatives of the deceased, it must be proven that the deceased was not responsible for the accident through their own rash and negligent driving. The court also emphasized that the insurance company’s liability is dependent on the policy covering the deceased.
In this case, the court found that the accident was caused by Ravisha’s own reckless driving, and therefore, his family was not entitled to compensation. The Supreme Court’s decision sends a strong message to drivers who engage in daredevil stunts or drive negligently, warning them that they will not be able to claim insurance compensation in the event of an accident.