2017 Order Mandating PUC Certificate for Vehicle Insurance, Supreme Court seeks Suggestions to Modify and Lists Matter for Hearing on July 15

Recently, the Supreme Court (SC) of India heard an application filed by the General Insurance Council referring to an order of the top Court delivered on August 10, 2017. The order stated that 100% compliance should be ensured by linking annual vehicle insurance with PUC (Pollution Under Control) certificates. During the proceedings, the learned Solicitor General appeared for the General Insurance Council and submitted that “...in view of this direction, 55% of the vehicles are not taking third-party insurance. Therefore, in the event of accident, claimants are finding it difficult to get compensation.” The bench constituting Justice Abhay S. Oka and Justice Ujjal Bhuyan observed “Prima facie, we are of the view that a right balance will have to be struck while ensuring that vehicles remain compliant with PUC norms. But at the same time, all vehicles must have a third-party insurance.” It further asked the Amicus Curiae and the learned Solicitor General (Tushar Mehta) to come out with a solution so that appropriate modification can be made to the order dated August 10, 2017.  The SC bench listed the matter for hearing on July 15, 2024, and asked the Amicus Curiae and the learned Solicitor General to give suggestions in writing before the next date of hearing (July 15, 2024).