Sithara N.S. vs Sai Ram General Insurance Company Ltd.; 2025 INSC 1425 - Motor Accident Compensation - Absence Of Vehicle Registration Number

Motor Accident Compensation - In cases of motor vehicle accidents, the standard of proof required is that of preponderance of probabilities- The absence of vehicle registration number in the FIR or complaint lodged immediately after the accident is not, by itself, fatal to the claim. An FIR is not an encyclopedia and omissions at the initial stage may not be determinative. However, the claimants must establish the specific identity of the vehicle/driver, with the caveat that the connection of the accident with the said vehicle must be established through cogent and reliable evidence. (Para 16) [Context: In this case, Supreme Court dismissed Claimant's appeal and observed: the omission of the vehicle registration number in the complaint cannot be viewed in isolation, but in conjunction with other infirmities in the evidence. The complaint merely states that a vehicular accident occurred without identifying the offending vehicle. The spot mahazar was admittedly prepared several days after the accident. In absence of any eyewitness to the accident, there is nothing to indicate the basis upon which it was drawn up or whose statement formed its foundation - the principles of law cannot be set aside on the grounds of sympathy alone. Liability under the Motor Vehicles Act must be established through credible evidence.]