The Karnataka High Court has ruled that a driver cannot be held personally liable to pay compensation in a motor accident claim where the accident occurred due to the sudden bursting of a vehicle's tyre, without any evidence of negligence on the driver's part. Setting aside the Tribunal's finding, the Court held that the owner alone is responsible for satisfying the compensation awarded to the deceased woman's family.
Background of the Case
The appeal was filed by the driver of a tractor against an award passed by the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT), Davanagere, in MVC No. 211/2017. The Tribunal had awarded compensation of ₹11.18 lakh with 8% annual interest to the legal heirs of a woman who died in an accident on November 17, 2016, and had held both the driver and the owner jointly and severally liable to pay the amount.
According to the case records, the woman was walking to a public tap to fetch water when the tractor, carrying jelly stones, suffered a tyre burst. The iron ring attached to the wheel detached and struck her, causing fatal injuries.
Justice P. Sree Sudha noted that the evidence on record did not establish negligence on the part of the driver. The Court observed,
“The manner of accident shows it is a tyre burst which is not in the hands of the driver and he cannot be held to be negligent for the sudden burst of the tyre.”
The Court further found that the Tribunal had failed to properly appreciate the facts before fastening liability on the driver. It also noted that the vehicle owner had not entered the witness box to contest the claim.
Allowing the appeal, the High Court set aside the finding that made the driver liable for the compensation. It held that the vehicle owner alone is liable to satisfy the compensation awarded to the claimants.
The Court also directed that the statutory amount deposited by the driver be refunded after due verification.
Case Details
Case Title: Manjunatha H C v. Buden Sab & Others
Case Number: MFA No. 2959 of 2019 (MV-I)
Judge: Justice P. Sree Sudha
Decision Date: July 3, 2026
