In a pivotal ruling, the Supreme Court of India overturned a Punjab and Haryana High Court decision, establishing that Aadhaar cannot be used as proof of age in accident compensation claims. This clarification aligns with guidelines by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), which state that Aadhaar is only proof of identity, not a reliable indicator of age. Here’s a closer look at what this means for future accident claim cases and the importance of accurate age verification.
The Case Overview
The Supreme Court’s decision came while hearing an appeal from the family of a road accident victim. The Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT) initially awarded the family a compensation of Rs 19.35 lakh, calculating the age of the deceased based on his school leaving certificate, which listed his age as 45. The Punjab and Haryana High Court later reduced this to Rs 9.22 lakh, relying on the Aadhaar card, which listed his age as 47, and subsequently applying a different age multiplier.
Why Aadhaar Is Not Proof of Age
The ruling cited a UIDAI directive which clarifies that, although Aadhaar can establish identity, it should not be used to verify the date of birth. According to the Supreme Court, Section 94 of the Juvenile Justice Act emphasizes the use of reliable documents, such as school leaving certificates, for age verification. The court found that the MACT’s original age calculation was correct as per this guideline, thus underscoring the importance of document authenticity and regulatory compliance.
Implications for Accident Compensation Claims
This landmark decision sets a precedent for future accident compensation cases, wherein accurate documentation, like school certificates, must be used to determine the age of the deceased or injured. The ruling ultimately aims to ensure fair compensation by promoting accurate information, offering relief for claimants who might otherwise face reduced compensation due to unreliable data.
Conclusion
This Supreme Court ruling reinforces the need for precision in legal documentation, particularly in sensitive cases like accident claims. By clarifying that Aadhaar is not valid proof of age, the court has safeguarded fair compensation practices, benefiting claimants and upholding the integrity of the accident claims process.
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