Supreme Court Sets Aside Contributory Negligence Finding, Enhances Motor Accident Compensation to Rs. 50.81 Lakhs

Case Snapshot

• Case Name: Reena v. The Managing Director, Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation and Others

• Citation: 2026 INSC 889

• Bench: Justice S.V.N. Bhatti and Justice N.V. Anjaria

• Date of Judgment: August 19, 2026

• Area of Law: Motor Accident Compensation, Contributory Negligence, Evidence Law

The Judgment in One Line

Supreme Court restores 100% negligence on KSRTC bus driver, enhances compensation from Rs. 14.35 lakhs to Rs. 50.81 lakhs.

Why This Judgment Matters

This judgment is significant as it clarifies the evidentiary value of police investigation records in motor accident claims and the limited role of criminal acquittals in civil proceedings. The Supreme Court has held that FIR and charge sheet constitute prima facie evidence of negligence, and a subsequent criminal acquittal does not affect tortious liability. The judgment also emphasizes that site sketches showing post-impact vehicle positions cannot be used to infer contributory negligence against smaller vehicles. Additionally, the Court allowed additional evidence after 21 years, recognizing the beneficial nature of the Motor Vehicles Act and the need to do complete justice.

Background

On October 14, 2005, at 1:20 AM, a Hyundai Santro car and a KSRTC bus collided on NH-48 near Kunigal, Karnataka. The claimant, Reena, was a passenger in the Santro car along with her husband Nandan Shet, mother-in-law Geetha Shet, and family friend Mahesh. All three died, while the claimant sustained grievous injuries.

The claimant filed claims for the death of her husband and mother-in-law, and for her own injuries. T

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