The Karnataka High Court ruled that a second wife and daughter dependent on a deceased accident victim cannot be denied compensation. The Court held that dependency, not a narrow definition of legal heirs, determines entitlement under the Motor Vehicles Act and enhanced compensation by Rs 15 lakh.
The Supreme Court held that injuries caused by a falling tree branch on a stationary autorickshaw do not automatically qualify as a motor vehicle accident. However, invoking Article 142, the Court enhanced compensation for the claimant, emphasizing that a proximate connection between the vehicle and accident is necessary.