Vehicle owner to pay compensation in minor-driven accident, rules Karnataka High Court
Bengaluru: In a recent ruling, the Karnataka High Court has determined that the owner of a vehicle, rather than the insurance company, must pay compensation if a minor is involved in causing an accident. This decision comes following a petition by the New India Assurance Company challenging a previous tribunal judgment.
Justice Hanchate Sanjeev Kumar, presiding over the single-bench, quashed the Motor Vehicle Accident Tribunal's decision that held the insurance company liable for compensating the claimants. The court also increased the compensation amount from Rs 2.56 lakh to Rs 4.44 lakh, with an interest rate of 6% per annum.
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The case stems from a tragic incident on December 12, 2008, when Hassan Shabbir was fatally injured by a two-wheeler driven by a minor on National Highway 17 (now National Highway 66) in Ranginakatta, Bhatkal. Initially, the tribunal had ruled on August 11, 2014, that the family of the deceased—Bibi Naisa and two others from Kundapur taluk, Udupi district—should receive Rs 2.56 lakh in compensation with an 8% annual interest.
The New India Assurance Company contested this ruling, arguing that since the accident was caused by a 16-year-old without a driving license, they were not responsible for compensating the victim's family. They presented the police charge-sheet, which confirmed that a minor, Abdul Hakeem Gawai, was riding the two-wheeler that struck Shabbir.
In its recent judgment, the High Court has placed the responsibility for compensation on Mohammed Mustafa, the vehicle's owner. The court justified increasing the compensation amount due to the victim’s age at the time of the accident (61 years) and the fact that he is survived by his wife and two children.
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US rules out use of nuclear weapons against Iran
Washington DC: The White House has reportedly ruled out the use of nuclear weapons against Iran, even as uncertainty continues over ongoing peace negotiations and a deadline set by US President Donald Trump approaches.
Issues bout a possible escalation had increased after US Vice President JD Vance said that the United States has “tools in our toolkit that we so far haven’t decided to use” in dealing with Iran.
His remarks came amid rising tensions and ahead of a deadline linked to peace efforts.
The situation has attracted attention as Trump warned Iran that its “whole civilization will die tonight tonight” if an agreement is not reached by Tuesday at 8 pm.
This statement led to speculation about the possibility of extreme military measures, including a nuclear strike.
Following Vance’s comments, the White House issued a clarification distancing itself from such interpretations. In a post on X, it said, "Literally nothing @VP said here 'implies' this, you absolute buffoons." In a later statement, it added that “only the president knows” what action will be taken regarding Iran.
Literally nothing @VP said here "implies" this, you absolute buffoons https://t.co/7JU3wXMaWX
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) April 7, 2026
