Authority: Supreme Court of India

Order Date: 31-07-2026

Case Overview

  • Petition for Special Leave to Appeal (C) No.10031/2026 filed by Kashih Harun Pathan against National Insurance Company Ltd. and another, arising from the impugned final judgment and order dated 22-04-2025 in FA No.53/2018 of the Bombay High Court.
  • Respondent No.1 is represented by counsel Ms. Meenakshi Midha; respondent No.2 has been served but has not contested the petition.
  • The bench comprised Hon’ble Mr. Justice Sanjay Karol and Hon’ble Mr. Justice Augustine George Masih.

Order Details

1. Respondent No.1, through Ms. Meenakshi Midha, is granted three weeks to file a counter‑affidavit indicating the latest price of the artificial limb.

2. Respondent No.2, though served, has not chosen to contest the petition.

3. The Court appoints Ms. Pooja Lakshmi, advocate (Enrol.No.K/2873/2024, email poojalakshmi.advocate@gmail.com), as amicus curiae on a pro‑bono basis to assist the Court on behalf of respondent No.2.

4. The Registry is directed to supply the complete paper book in digital form to the amicus curiae within one week.

5. The amicus curiae shall inform respondent No.2 in writing of the pendency of the petition, the order passed, his right to engage counsel of choice, and his right to be represented by a Legal Aid Counsel, subject to eligibility.

6. The amicus curiae shall also contact the Chairman of the concerned District Legal Services Authority to ensure the respondent is apprised of his rights.

7. The amicus curiae will continue to assist the Court even if respondent No.2 later engages a counsel.

8. The Registry shall communicate this order to all concerned parties forthwith and print the name of the amicus curiae in the cause list.

9. The cause list is scheduled for 03-09-2026.

Final Outcome

  • The Court has granted a three‑week period for filing a counter‑affidavit, appointed a pro‑bono amicus curiae for the non‑contesting respondent, and issued procedural directions to ensure the respondent’s rights are protected and the case proceeds to the next hearing on 03-09-2026.

Topics: Court Proceedings, Insurance Litigation