Authority: Supreme Court of India
Order Date: 09-07-2026
Case Overview
- Petitioner: M/S ICICI LOMBARD GENERAL INSURANCE COMPANY LIMITED
- Respondents: Sanjaybhai Pravinbhai Jadav & Anr.
- Origin: Special Leave Petition (C) No. 22470/2026 filed against the judgment and order dated 06-05-2026 of the High Court of Gujarat at Ahmedabad in First Appeal No. 1992 of 2026.
- Background: The Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (Main), Rajkot awarded the claimant compensation of Rs. 2,85,920 for injuries sustained in a motor accident on 04.03.2017, with interest at 9% per annum from the date of claim petition till realization.
- High Court Action: The Gujarat High Court dismissed the first appeal filed by the insurer, thereby affirming the Tribunal's award.
- Petitioner’s Contentions: The senior counsel for ICICI Lombard argued that the High Court failed to consider substantial issues, including alleged fraudulent implication of the insured vehicle and driver, unexplained delay in FIR registration, contradictory driver identification in the claimant’s complaints, admissions by an eye‑witness during cross‑examination, and material inconsistencies in the claimant’s medical records. The petitioner claimed the High Court dismissed the appeal merely on the ground that the compensation was meagre, contrary to appellate jurisdiction principles.
- Supreme Court Observations: The Court heard the senior counsel, reviewed the material on record, and expressed that it was not impressed with the manner in which the High Court dealt with the appeal. However, it noted that the Tribunal, after a comprehensive appreciation of oral and documentary evidence, rendered a detailed and reasoned award addressing all issues raised by the parties.
Final Outcome
- The Supreme Court dismissed the Special Leave Petition, refusing to interfere with the Tribunal’s award of Rs. 2,85,920 plus 9% interest per annum.
- All pending applications, if any, were ordered to stand disposed of.
Topics: Court Decision, Insurance Liability, Motor Accident Compensation