Authority: Supreme Court of India, Civil Appellate Jurisdiction (Justices Aravind Kumar and Vipul M. Pancholi)

Order Date: 07 October 2026

Case Overview

  • Parties: Saiju (appellant/claimant) versus ICICI Lombard General Insurance Co. Ltd (respondent No. 1) and another respondent.
  • Procedural History: The appeal challenged the Kerala High Court judgment dated 11 February 2026, which had set aside the Employees' Compensation Commissioner’s award and dismissed the claimant’s request for enhancement/interest on medical reimbursement on the ground of lack of employer‑employee relationship.
  • Mediation Referral: The Supreme Court, on 16 September 2026, referred the dispute to the Supreme Court Mediation Centre. Both parties appeared before the Centre and reached an amicable settlement.
  • Settlement Agreement: Dated 05 October 2026, digitally signed by Neha Gupta (signature not verified) on 09 October 2026 16:29:46 IST. Key terms include:
  • The settlement constitutes full and final settlement of all past, present and future claims of the petitioner against the respondents; no further demand will be made.
  • A total sum of Rs 39,86,669/- had been released by the lower courts to the petitioner in the year 2024/2025, comprising the amount deposited by the insurer and accrued interest.
  • The petitioner suffered 75 % brain damage and was bedridden; the released amount was primarily spent on medical expenses.
  • Both parties agree that the received amount of Rs 39,86,669/- is the complete settlement; the petitioner will not seek any enhancement, and the insurer will not seek recovery of the deposited amount.
  • Neither party will initiate any further legal action or complaint against the other or their family members/assigns concerning the present dispute.
  • The parties affirm that they have no further claims and that the dispute is settled through mediation.
  • They undertake to abide by the settlement terms and to attend Supreme Court proceedings (virtual/physical) to give finality, acknowledging free will and absence of coercion. Breach will attract punishment under relevant law.
  • Record of Proceedings: Petition for Special Leave to Appeal No. 16402/2026 arising from the impugned judgment dated 11‑02‑2026 (MFA(ECC) No.86/2024) of the Kerala High Court, Ernakulam. Amicus Curiae: Mr. Jatin Hooda. Counsel for petitioner: Mr. G. Prakash, AOR; Mr. Jishnu M. L.; Adv. Mrs. Beena Prakash; Adv. Mr. Anoop R. Counsel for respondents: Ms. Sakshi Mittal (AOR). The court granted leave and disposed of the appeal per the signed order.

Final Outcome

  • The Supreme Court set aside the impugned order and substituted it with the terms of the settlement agreement.
  • The civil appeal is disposed of; parties shall bear their own costs.
  • Any pending applications, if any, are also disposed of.

Topics: Legal Settlement, Insurance Dispute