New Delhi, January 17: The Supreme Court was informed by the Centre on Wednesday that a government-appointed committee has submitted a draft report after examining the legal question of whether a person holding a driving license for a light motor vehicle can also drive a transport vehicle with an unladen weight not exceeding 7,500 kilograms. The five-judge Constitution bench, led by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud, granted the Centre time until April 15 to resolve the issue. The bench indicated that if a resolution is not reached, they will hear the pleas and deliver a verdict.
The court emphasized that the matter has already been substantially heard, and the government will be given time to resolve it. The bench stated that if the issue remains unresolved, they will hear the matter and establish the law. It also mentioned that Parliament could intervene if necessary.
The bench set a deadline until mid-February for the finalization of the report, instructing the government to provide copies to the involved parties. The batch of pleas will be considered for directions on April 16, with the hearing scheduled to commence on April 23.
The legal question being addressed is whether a person with a driving license for a light motor vehicle can legally drive a transport vehicle with an unladen weight not exceeding 7,500 kilograms. The issue has led to disputes over insurance claims in accidents involving such vehicles. The court had earlier directed the Centre to review this legal question by January 17, recognizing the impact on the livelihoods of many.
The court noted that the exercise for amendment would require consultations with multiple stakeholders and emphasized that the Union should pursue the matter with urgency. Attorney General R Venkataramani submitted a note from the Centre, stating that the government was considering a broader perspective rather than piecemeal amendments to address the issue.
