Aadhaar card not reliable proof of age in accident compensation cases: Chhattisgarh HC
The Chhattisgarh High Court ruled that Aadhaar cards are not reliable proof of age in accident compensation cases and clarified that insurance liability begins only when the policy is officially active. The court increased compensation for victims after finding that the tribunal had incorrectly relied on an Aadhaar card to lower the age-based multiplier.
Why it matters
This ruling sets a legal precedent regarding the evidentiary value of Aadhaar in Indian courts and clarifies the timing of insurance contract liability.
The Chhattisgarh high court has held that an insurance company cannot be made liable for an accident merely because it had received the premium beforehand, ruling that the insurance contract kicks in only from the date and time mentioned on the policy itself. The court also set aside a tribunal's finding that had relied solely on an Aadhaar card to determine an accident victim's age, and enhanced compensation in all three connected claims arising from the accident.What was the dispute aboutOn the night of April 19, 2019, a Tata Sumo owned by Govind Sahni and driven by his brother Gopi Sahni hit a motorcycle carrying three men. Two of the riders, Panchram Bhunjia and Bisnath Bhunjia, died. The third, Ranjit Bhunjia, survived but had his leg amputated above the knee.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in