Motor Vehicles Act a piece of welfare legislation: Punjab and Haryana High Court
The Hindu
The court held that delay in lodging an FIR in such cases is insignificant, but much weightage cannot be given to it in proceedings for determining compensation under the Motor Vehicles Act.
The Punjab and Haryana High Court has held that the Motor Vehicles Act is a piece of welfare legislation and its purpose is to provide prompt compensation to the injured or the next of kin dying in road accidents and a liberal approach is required while dealing with matters under this statute.
The court has held that delay in lodging an FIR in such cases is insignificant. While the factor may be relevant during a criminal trial, much weightage cannot be given to it in proceedings for determining compensation under the Motor Vehicles Act, the court held.
Justice H. S. Madaan passed these orders on October 5 while disposing of a petition filed by a private insurance company against the compensation awarded by a court in Palwal, Haryana, for the death of a 26-year-old man of Bhiduki village.