Archive · 20 Jul 2026
Karnataka High Court Reduces Compensation for Drunk Rider's Family
A man named Srinivas was riding a motorcycle while very drunk and crashed into a pole, which caused his death.
His family asked for money from the insurance company to help them.
The insurance company said no because Srinivas was driving drunk and caused the accident himself.
The family first got Rs 3,44,364 from a lower court, but the High Court said they can only get Rs 1,00,000 because Srinivas was at fault.
The court said that if someone causes an accident because they were breaking the law, like driving drunk, they can't get as much money from insurance.
Srinivas died in a motorcycle accident while riding drunk with a blood alcohol content of 102.64 mg per 100 ml, far exceeding the legal limit of 30 mg per 100 ml.
The Karnataka High Court reduced the compensation for his family to Rs 1,00,000, citing that Srinivas was the tortfeasor and thus not entitled to standard third-party liability damages.
The initial compensation awarded by the Motor Accidents Claims Tribunal (MACT) was Rs 3,44,364, which the High Court significantly reduced.
The court relied on a Supreme Court precedent that affirmed a wrongdoer cannot benefit from a third-party liability claim but remains bound to the limits of the individual insurance contract.
The insurance company argued that Srinivas was driving under the severe influence of liquor and thus caused the accident himself.
- Who
- Srinivas (deceased rider), Shivanand D Harikantra and others (family), The New India Assurance Co. Ltd. (insurance company)
- What
- Karnataka High Court reduced compensation for the family of a drunk rider who died in a motorcycle accident
- When
- The accident occurred on February 5, 2015; the High Court order was issued on July 16
- Where
- Near Devegowda Petrol Bunk, Kadirenahalli, Banashankari Second Stage, Bengaluru
- Why
- The court ruled that the rider was solely responsible for the accident due to his high blood alcohol content, making him the tortfeasor and thus not entitled to standard third-party liability damages.
Insurance Company's Perspective
Family's Perspective
Liability for the Accident
Insurance Company's Perspective
The insurance company argues that the rider, Srinivas, was solely responsible for the accident due to his high blood alcohol content, making him the tortfeasor and thus not entitled to standard third-party liability damages.
Family's Perspective
The family likely believes that the insurance company should provide full compensation despite the rider's intoxication, as the accident resulted in a fatality.
Compensation Amount
Insurance Company's Perspective
The insurance company sought to limit the compensation to the maximum amount covered under the vehicle's Compulsory Personal Accident (CPA) coverage, which is Rs 1 lakh.
Family's Perspective
The family initially received a higher compensation of Rs 3,44,364 from the Motor Accidents Claims Tribunal (MACT) and likely expected this amount to be upheld.
- Date of Accident
- February 5, 2015
- Location of Accident
- Near Devegowda Petrol Bunk, Kadirenahalli, Banashankari Second Stage, Bengaluru
- Blood Alcohol Content
- 102.64 mg per 100 ml of blood
- Legal Alcohol Limit for Driving
- 30 mg per 100 ml of blood
- Initial Compensation Awarded by MACT
- Rs 3,44,364
- Reduced Compensation by High Court
- Rs 1,00,000
- Date of High Court Order
- July 16
- Relevant Supreme Court Precedent
- Ramkhiladi and Another vs United India Insurance Company and Another (2020)