Karnataka High Court Rules Bus Owner Cannot be Liable for Compensation When Bus Was Plying Beyond Permit Route

The Karnataka High Court has ruled that a bus owner cannot be liable for compensating accident victims when the bus was operating as a relief vehicle outside its permit route.

The case involved a bus that hit two motorcyclists near Haveri, causing serious injuries. The Motor Accident Claims Tribunal had held the owner liable, citing a permit violation under Section 66 of the Motor Vehicles Act.

However, Justice Hanchate Sanjeev Kumar held that using the bus for relief duty does not amount to a fundamental breach.

The High Court, applying Rule 57 of the Karnataka Motor Vehicles Rules, set aside the tribunal‘s decision and directed the insurance company to cover the compensation.