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The Supreme Court of India has delivered a landmark decision regarding the driving licenses of light motor vehicle (LMV) holders, ruling that they are permitted to operate transport vehicles with an unladen weight not exceeding 7,500 kg. This judgment, pronounced by a five-judge Constitution bench led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, provides much-needed relief for commercial vehicle drivers while simultaneously shaking up the practices of insurance companies who have been rejecting claims based on license discrepancies.
The court's decision stems from the recognition that there is no concrete evidence to suggest that LMV license holders contribute to a rise in road accidents within the country. Justice Hrishikesh Roy, who penned the unanimous verdict, emphasized the significant time LMV license holders spend behind the wheel and argued that their grievances cannot be dismissed solely on technical grounds. This judgment is a significant departure from the previous approach adopted by insurance companies, who routinely denied claims when transport vehicles of a specific weight were involved in accidents and the drivers did not possess the appropriate license.
This legal issue has been a source of contention for years, generating numerous disputes regarding insurance claim payments in accidents involving transport vehicles driven by individuals holding LMV licenses. Insurance firms have consistently asserted that the Motor Accident Claim Tribunals (MACTs) and courts have been overly lenient in their rulings, compelling them to pay insurance claims despite their objections concerning the LMV driving license. The insurance companies claimed that the courts have been exhibiting a pro-insured bias while adjudicating these disputes.
The Supreme Court's decisive ruling sets a new precedent for the interpretation and application of the Motor Vehicles (MV) Act, 1988. The court has essentially declared that the existing regulations regarding LMV licenses are not conducive to addressing the issue of road safety effectively and that a more practical approach is needed. This decision has far-reaching implications for both the transportation sector and the insurance industry, prompting them to reassess their policies and practices.
The court has also directed the government to expeditiously complete the process of amending the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, to ensure that the law aligns with the court's decision. This amendment is crucial to address the concerns raised by the court and ensure a more harmonized legal framework for the regulation of commercial vehicles and the driving licenses required for operating them. The insurance industry is expected to revise its policies in accordance with the Supreme Court's ruling, eliminating the previous practice of denying claims based on discrepancies between the vehicle weight and the driver's license.
This landmark judgment serves as a reminder that legal frameworks must adapt to evolving realities and that the focus should always remain on ensuring public safety and fairness. The Supreme Court's decision represents a significant step towards achieving this goal, creating a more practical and equitable system for commercial vehicle drivers and ensuring that those who have been unfairly penalized by technicalities are granted justice. As the government undertakes the necessary amendments to the Motor Vehicles Act, it is essential that a comprehensive approach is taken to address the concerns of all stakeholders, including drivers, insurance companies, and the public at large, to create a more robust and responsible transportation system in the country.
Source: Can LMV Driving Licence Holders Drive Transport Vehicles? What Supreme Court Said