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The Supreme Court of India has delivered a significant ruling on the driving license requirements for transport vehicles. A five-judge constitution bench concluded that a person holding a driving licence for a light motor vehicle (LMV) can also drive a transport vehicle with an unladen weight not exceeding 7,500 kg. This decision, driven by considerations of livelihood and the lack of empirical evidence linking LMV drivers to accidents, has important ramifications for both drivers and insurance companies.
The court's decision stemmed from a long-standing dispute concerning the payment of insurance claims for accidents involving transport vehicles driven by individuals holding LMV licenses. Insurance companies had been rejecting such claims, arguing that LMV licenses are distinct from those required for transport vehicles and that drivers with LMV licenses are not authorized to operate the heavier vehicles. However, the Supreme Court found no basis for this technical distinction. The court emphasized that the licensing regime for LMVs and transport vehicles is not entirely separate and that there is an overlap between the two classes, especially when considering vehicles under 7,500 kg. The court further stressed that road safety concerns are not solely attributable to drivers holding LMV licenses but are also influenced by factors such as non-compliance with seat belt rules, use of mobiles, and driving under the influence of alcohol.
The court's judgment not only addresses the livelihood concerns of a significant number of transport vehicle drivers but also paves the way for a more flexible and pragmatic approach to road safety regulations. By permitting LMV license holders to operate transport vehicles within a specified weight limit, the decision recognizes the evolving nature of the transportation industry and the need for greater adaptability in licensing frameworks. This decision sends a clear message to insurance companies that they cannot rely on technicalities to deny compensation to victims of accidents. The court's emphasis on the importance of driver skill and adherence to traffic rules as key factors in preventing accidents reinforces the need for robust driver education and training programs. This landmark ruling is likely to have a substantial impact on the transportation sector, shaping both the licensing requirements and the way insurance claims are handled in the future.