Karnataka High Court Rules 'Pay and Recover' Not Applicable Without Licence in Accident Cases

The Karnataka High Court delivered a ruling that the 'pay and recover' rule, which allows a defendant to compensate a victim and then recover the amount from the court, does not apply when the accused does not hold a valid licence. The decision was made after a petition questioning the applicability of the rule in cases involving unlicensed individuals. The court emphasized that the rule is intended for licensed professionals such as drivers or mechanics, and cannot be used as a blanket remedy for all accident claims. The ruling is expected to influence how insurance companies and legal practitioners handle compensation claims in Karnataka, ensuring that unlicensed parties cannot rely on the rule to evade liability. The court also urged parties to seek proper legal advice and to verify that all necessary licences are in place before engaging in activities that could lead to accidents.