The Supreme Court has instructed the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) to formulate a plan, including recommendations, for the effective implementation of the revised Motor Vehicles Act and the Central Motor Vehicles Rules. The directive was issued by a bench comprising Justice J K Maheshwari and Justice K V Viswanathan, who have been overseeing a case concerning the execution of the amended Motor Vehicles Act and the Central Motor Vehicles Rules.
In December 2022, the Court had previously issued a slew of directions related to motor accident compensation. Following this, the Court directed all States and Union Territories to submit compliance reports regarding these directions. On two occasions, the Apex Court criticized States and UTs for failing to file these compliance reports, citing their 'lethargic attitude.' In response, the Court appointed Senior Advocate J. R. Midha as Amicus Curiae to compile the states' reports, analyze the Act and Rules, review relevant judgments, and provide suggestions. Advocates Samrika Biswal and Sumit Chander were appointed to assist the Amicus in this task.
During the hearing on December 4th, the Court sought suggestions from Amicus Curiae J. R. Midha, Advocate Archana Pathak Dave representing the Union of India, General Insurance Council (GIC) represented by Advocate Abhishek Nanda, and the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDA) represented by Advocate Gaurav Agarwal. Subsequently, the Court issued directions for the development of a scheme under the purview of NALSA.
The Secretary of NALSA has been instructed to file an affidavit after consulting with the Amicus Curiae, State Legal Services Authorities, officers of the Central Government, GIC, IRDA, and State officers. Notably, the Apex Court had earlier directed all State Governments and Union Territories to deposit funds with the Court's Registrar for the services rendered by the Amicus Curiae. The States were required to deposit Rs. 30,000 each, while the UTs were instructed to deposit Rs. 20,000 each. In the latest hearing, an amount of Rs. 2,30,000 was directed to be released to the Amicus Curiae.
This ongoing legal process underscores the Supreme Court's commitment to overseeing the effective implementation of the amended Motor Vehicles Act and the Central Motor Vehicles Rules. By engaging the expertise of NALSA and other relevant authorities, the Court aims to ensure compliance and address issues related to motor accident compensation and other pertinent matters. The meticulous efforts of the Amicus Curiae and the supporting advocates further contribute to the comprehensive examination of the legal landscape surrounding motor vehicle regulations in the country.
TAGS: Supreme Court National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) Motor Vehicles Act Central Motor Vehicles Rules Justice J K Maheshwari Justice K V Viswanathan
