Karnataka High Court Rules Minor Driver of Motor Vehicle: Compensation and Owner Liability

The Karnataka High Court recently delivered a significant ruling on the liability of minor drivers of motor vehicles and the responsibility of vehicle owners to compensate for accidents caused by minors. In the case, the court upheld the "pay and recover" principle, indicating that the owner of a vehicle is initially liable to pay compensation for damages caused by a minor driver, and then can seek recovery from the minor or their legal guardians.

The court emphasized that the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 does not exclude minors from being held liable for negligence while driving. However, due to the legal incapacity of minors to enter into contracts or be sued directly, the owner becomes vicariously liable for their actions.

In its judgment, the court clarified that the liability of the owner arises unless it is proven that the vehicle was used without their consent or that they took reasonable precautions to prevent its unauthorized use. The ruling underscores the importance of ensuring that vehicles are not accessible to minors without proper supervision and safeguards in place.

Additionally, the court highlighted the need for insurance companies to honor their obligations to indemnify owners against such liabilities, as mandated by the Motor Vehicles Act. This ruling sets a precedent for cases involving accidents caused by minors driving vehicles and establishes guidelines for determining liability and compensation in such scenarios.