The Supreme Court of India recently set an important precedent regarding how to determine age for legal purposes, especially in compensation claims. This ruling involved the death of a road accident victim, with the court clarifying the value of an Aadhaar card versus a school leaving certificate in determining age. This judgment is significant for claimants and legal professionals alike.
Context of the Case
A tragic road accident in 2015 led to the death of an individual, prompting the family to seek compensation. The Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT) awarded Rs. 19.35 lakh to the deceased’s family. The High Court later reduced the amount to Rs. 9.22 lakh. This reduction was due to the High Court’s assessment of the deceased’s age.
MACT used the school leaving certificate to determine the deceased’s age as 45 years at the time of death. The High Court, however, relied on the Aadhaar card, which showed the age as 47 years. This difference significantly impacted the compensation, leading to a reduction.
Supreme Court’s Ruling
The Supreme Court overturned the High Court’s decision, emphasizing the value of the school leaving certificate for determining age. Under Section 94 of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, the age of the deceased should be determined by the date of birth mentioned in the school certificate. This section states that school certificates should be given precedence when determining an individual’s age.
The court also referred to a recent circular from the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), numbered 8 of 2023. The UIDAI stated that while Aadhaar is effective for identity verification, it is not reliable proof of date of birth. This clarification is crucial for cases involving age determination, such as claims for compensation or welfare benefits.
Legal Implications
This ruling has significant legal implications for compensation claims under the Motor Vehicles Act. The age multiplier method is used to calculate compensation, and even a small difference in age can significantly affect the awarded amount. By prioritizing the school leaving certificate over the Aadhaar card, the court clarified which documents should be used to determine compensation accurately.
For claimants, it is vital to understand the value of various documents in a court of law. The Aadhaar card, though commonly used for identification, does not hold the same weight as a school leaving certificate for age verification.
Practical Takeaway for Claimants
If you are involved in an accident compensation case or any legal proceeding that involves age determination, gather all relevant documents, especially school leaving certificates. These certificates serve as primary proof of age. Relying solely on an Aadhaar card may not suffice, particularly if it contradicts other official records.
Conclusion
The Supreme Court’s ruling ensures the use of correct evidence for determining age in compensation cases. This judgment is vital for legal practitioners, claimants, and others involved to understand how different documents are valued in court.
For those seeking compensation, presenting the most accurate and valid documents can make a difference between receiving a fair settlement or a reduced award. Understanding these nuances in legal documentation is crucial for accident-related claims.
FAQs
- Which document takes precedence for age determination: Aadhaar or School Leaving Certificate?
- The Supreme Court has clarified that the school leaving certificate takes precedence over Aadhaar for age determination.
- Is Aadhaar card sufficient proof of age in compensation claims?
- No, Aadhaar is primarily for identity verification and does not serve as definitive proof of age in such legal cases.
- Why did the High Court reduce the compensation amount in this case?
- The High Court incorrectly relied on the Aadhaar card for age determination, which led to a lower age multiplier being applied, hence reducing the compensation.