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In a significant judgment affecting commercial drivers in India, the Supreme Court has ruled that individuals possessing a Light Motor Vehicle (LMV) driving license are permitted to operate transport vehicles weighing up to 7,500 kg. This verdict, delivered by a five-judge Constitution bench led by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud, brings clarity to the licensing regulations and is expected to prevent insurance companies from rejecting claims based on the type of license held by drivers involved in accidents.
The court's decision, a unanimous 126-page verdict penned by Justice Hrishikesh Roy, affirms its 2017 judgment in the Mukund Dewangan case, which initially established the right of LMV license holders to drive transport vehicles within the specified weight limit. While upholding this principle, the court also addressed nuances under the Motor Vehicle (MV) Act and its accompanying rules, clarifying that for licensing purposes, LMVs and Transport Vehicles are not entirely distinct classes. The decision recognizes an overlap between the two categories, acknowledging that an LMV license holder is authorized to operate 'Transport Vehicles' within the 7,500 kg weight limit without requiring additional authorization.
The court acknowledged concerns regarding road safety raised by insurance companies but dismissed claims that LMV-licensed drivers contribute disproportionately to road accidents. The verdict emphasizes the importance of road safety as a global public health issue, acknowledging the tragic toll of road accidents in India. However, the court states that the causes of accidents are multifaceted and cannot be attributed solely to drivers operating lighter transport vehicles with an LMV license. The judgment highlights factors such as reckless driving, excessive speed, inadequate road design, non-compliance with traffic regulations, mobile phone usage, fatigue, and failure to adhere to safety measures like seat belt or helmet usage as significant contributors to road accidents.
Despite the ruling, the court maintains that additional eligibility criteria specified in the MV Act and its rules will continue to apply to heavier vehicles, including those exceeding 7,500 kg in gross weight, classified as 'medium goods vehicle', 'medium passenger vehicle', 'heavy goods vehicle', and 'heavy passenger vehicle'. This clarification aims to address concerns about road safety while ensuring that drivers of 'Transport Vehicles' under 7,500 kg can legally operate such vehicles with their existing LMV driving license, thereby protecting their livelihoods.
The court's interpretation of the licensing regime emphasizes its commitment to upholding both road safety and ensuring timely compensation and relief for victims of road accidents. By addressing the legal uncertainties surrounding driving licenses, the judgment aims to prevent insurance companies from utilizing technical loopholes to deny legitimate compensation claims involving vehicles below 7,500 kg driven by LMV license holders. The verdict underscores the importance of clear and unambiguous legislation, highlighting that Parliament's earlier intervention to amend the MV Act and explicitly define vehicle classifications could have reduced legal disputes and confusion surrounding driving licenses.
The court's decision concludes a long-standing legal battle, stemming from the apex court's 2017 verdict in the Mukund Dewangan case. The issue arose from the lack of clarity within the MV Act regarding the eligibility of LMV license holders to drive 'Transport Vehicles' within a specific weight limit. This judgment, by providing a definitive interpretation of the relevant provisions, offers clarity and direction to both drivers and authorities, ensuring a more streamlined and transparent legal landscape for commercial vehicle operation.
Source: Supreme Court Ruling Clears Path for LMV Drivers to Operate Vehicles Weighing Up to 7,500 kg