In a landmark decision today, November 6, the Supreme Court of India ruled that holders of a Light Motor Vehicle (LMV) license are now legally permitted to operate transport vehicles with an unladen weight of up to 7,500 kg. This judgment, penned by Justice Hrishikesh Roy on behalf of a four-judge bench including Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, is seen as a significant move towards enhancing the livelihood opportunities for LMV licensees across the country.
The court addressed the longstanding legal question: Can an LMV license holder legally drive a transport vehicle of up to 7,500 kg unladen weight? The case, stemming from various insurance claim disputes, has culminated in this affirmative ruling after being revisited by a five-judge Constitution bench led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud.
In recent years, insurance companies have contended against payouts in accidents involving transport vehicles driven by LMV licensed drivers, arguing that such licenses did not cover larger vehicles. The Supreme Court’s decision directly addresses and nullifies these objections by clarifying the extent of LMV licensing rights.
The ruling also arrives amidst ongoing consultations to amend the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. Although the proposed legislative changes are yet to be presented in Parliament, expected in the upcoming winter session, today’s verdict independently extends the driving privileges for LMV license holders. Attorney General R Venkataramani, representing the Centre, highlighted that these changes are poised to be tabled soon, reflecting a proactive adjustment of the law to current realities.
This decision follows the 2017 Supreme Court ruling in the Mukund Dewangan versus Oriental Insurance Company Limited case, which initially set the precedent that transport vehicles weighing under 7,500 kg fall within the LMV category. This recent ruling not only affirms but expands upon the principles established in the Mukund Dewangan case, aligning past judgments with present legislative intents.
With the court now decisively clearing the way for LMV licensees to legally drive heavier transport vehicles, a significant impact on both the transportation industry and insurance claims processes is anticipated.
