FIR delay motor vehicle claim

In Sanju Bai Prajapati vs. The New India Assurance Company Ltd., the Supreme Court reversed a High Court ruling that had denied compensation to the widow and minor children of a deceased accident victim. The Tribunal had granted Rs. 46,29,152/- based on credible eyewitness testimony and valid documentation. The High Court, however, questioned the delay in filing the FIR and inconsistencies in the witness statement. The Supreme Court held that the FIR delay was explained by the Murg report filed on the same day, and that the High Court had unjustly discredited the witness. The order of the High Court was set aside, and compensation reinstated. (Drafted Summary)