Introduction
The Karnataka High Court has ruled that married sisters or married daughters can claim compensation under the Motor Vehicles Act. The court emphasized that marriage does not end a woman’s financial or emotional dependence on her parental family. The ruling came in a case involving the death of a daily-wage worker and the insurance company’s challenge to the compensation awarded to his married sisters.
Facts of the Case
The case involved the accidental death of a 44-year-old man who worked as a daily-wage labourer. After his death, his siblings filed a claim before the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal. The Tribunal awarded them compensation for loss of dependency.
The insurance company appealed this decision. It argued that the two sisters of the deceased were married and were living in their matrimonial homes. It claimed that married sisters cannot be treated as dependents and therefore cannot receive compensation for loss of dependency. The sisters stated that the deceased supported them financially and emotionally. They also asserted that there was no evidence to show that they were not dependent on him.
What the Court Says
The Karnataka High Court rejected the insurer’s argument. The court held that marriage alone does not sever family ties or financial dependence. It noted that in Indian society, married daughters and sisters often continue to depend on their parental family. The court stated that dependency is a question of fact and must be examined based on evidence and social realities.
The court pointed out that the sisters had shown that the deceased contributed to their needs. The insurance company could not produce evidence to disprove this. The court also referred to precedents from the Supreme Court, which have recognized that married children or siblings may still qualify as dependents for compensation. The High Court concluded that the sisters were legally entitled to claim compensation for loss of dependency.
The court also revised the compensation amount. It reassessed the deceased’s income and applied the appropriate multiplier. It enhanced the award after correcting the deductions and future prospects.
For any specific query call at +91 – 8569843472
Implications
The ruling strengthens the rights of married daughters and married sisters in motor accident compensation. It confirms that a claimant’s marital status cannot be the sole reason to deny compensation. The decision also reflects the court’s awareness of cultural and social realities where financial support often continues even after marriage.
This judgment places a higher responsibility on insurance companies. They must consider real dependency and cannot rely on assumptions based on marital status. For families, the ruling provides clarity and reassurance. It ensures that compensation laws remain fair and inclusive and that the support provided by an earning family member is legally recognized even if the dependent is married and living elsewhere.
The decision reinforces that compensation under the Motor Vehicles Act aims to provide relief to those genuinely affected by the loss of income and support. It ensures that legal interpretations align with social practices, offering broader protection to families who rely on such support networks.
