Court Declares Owner Solely Responsible for Compensation in Unforeseeable Mechanical Failure Case
In a landmark decision, the Karnataka High Court has exonerated a driver from liability in a motor vehicle accident caused by a sudden tyre burst, which resulted in a tragic fatality. The judgment was passed on July 3, 2026, by Justice P Sree Sudha, who presided over the Miscellaneous First Appeal No. 2959 of 2019, challenging the previous tribunal's decision that held both the driver and the owner jointly liable for the compensation.
The case dates back to November 17, 2016, when Dilshadbi, a pedestrian fetching water from a public tap, was fatally injured by an iron ring from a trolley wheel that burst and detached due to unforeseen mechanical failure. The incident involved a tractor with registration No.KA-27/T-8288, driven by appellant Manjunatha H C, and carrying jelly stones in a trailer.
The Tribunal initially awarded Rs.11,18,000 with an 8% annual interest to the deceased's family, holding both the driver and owner liable. However, the driver's appeal contended that he was merely operating the vehicle and the tyre burst was beyond his control, arguing for the dismissal of liability against him.
Justice P Sree Sudha, after reviewing the evidence, found that the mechanical failure was not due to negligence on the driver's part. The court emphasized that a tyre burst is an unforeseen mechanical issue, and the driver should not be held accountable for it. Consequently, the High Court ruled that the liability should solely rest on the vehicle owner, reversing the Tribunal's decision and setting aside the driver's liability.
This judgment underscores the legal principle that drivers cannot be held negligent for accidents resulting from mechanical failures that are beyond their control, emphasizing the owner's responsibility for vehicle maintenance. The statutory amount deposited by the appellant is ordered to be refunded after verification, marking a significant precedent in motor vehicle accident liability cases.
Bottom line:-
A driver cannot be held liable for compensation in a motor vehicle accident caused by a sudden tyre burst, which is beyond the driver's control.
Statutory provision(s): Motor Vehicles Act, 1988
Manjunatha H C v. Buden Sab, (Karnataka) : Law Finder Doc id # 2940766
