In a recent pronouncement, the Jammu & Kashmir High Court underscored the significance of filing appeals within the stipulated time frame under the Motor Vehicles Act. The court emphasized that even if the appellant believes their substantial rights are at stake, the timely submission of appeals should not be disregarded.
Justice Javed Iqbal Wani, presiding over the case, reiterated the need for expeditious resolution, fair compensation, and discouragement of negligent behavior by opposing parties in motor accident cases. The court made this observation while hearing a plea seeking condonation of a 1538-day delay in filing an appeal against an award granted by the Motor Accidents Claims Tribunal to an injured party.
The court dismissed the applicant’s plea, stating that the ground of substantial rights involved cannot serve as a valid reason for condoning the delay. It emphasized that appeals filed under the provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act aim to provide a swift and cost-effective remedy to claimants, ensuring justice through compensation.
The applicant had argued that their counsel had failed to inform them about the progress of the case, and they only became aware of the ex-parte award upon receiving a notice from the execution court. However, upon reviewing the tribunal’s record, the court found that the applicant’s counsel had actively represented them in the matter and contested the claim petition.
The bench pointed out that the applicant failed to demonstrate any serious efforts to contact their counsel for information, thereby challenging the attributed negligence. Moreover, the court stressed that a justice-oriented approach in such matters requires a cautious and diligent attitude from applicants seeking condonation of delay, unless a sufficient cause is presented in accordance with established legal principles.
The judgment serves as a reminder of the court’s commitment to ensuring prompt redressal and fair compensation for claimants in motor accident cases. By dismissing the application, the court upheld the notion that timely filing of appeals is vital in promoting a robust and efficient legal system under the Motor Vehicles Act.
