Supreme Court to Decide if LMV Licence Covers Driving Tractors and Transport Vehicles

Key Highlights

• The Supreme Court will decide whether the LMV licence covers tractors or not.
• 2017 ruling allowed driving vehicles under 7,500 kg.
• The government has yet to clarify its stance after nine months.
• The decision affects millions of drivers across India.
• The verdict is expected before CJI Chandrachud retires in November 2024.

In a critical case, the Supreme Court of India is set to resolve a longstanding question: can a person with a Light Motor Vehicle (LMV) licence drive a tractor or even a road roller? The answer to this query has been debated for several years, and the Supreme Court is now preparing to deliver its final verdict.

The Background of the Case

The controversy began in 2017 when the Supreme Court ruled that a licence for an LMV also qualifies a driver to operate tractors, road rollers, and transport vehicles with an unloaded weight of up to 7,500 kg. According to the Motor Vehicles Act (MVA) of 1988, this weight limit is used to classify vehicles as LMVs. However, the issue has since been challenged, and the final ruling on this matter has remained pending.

Government's Inaction

In November 2023, the Centre assured the Supreme Court that it would reconsider the inclusion of tractors under the definition of LMVs, promising possible amendments to the MVA (Motor Vehicles Act). But the government has yet to submit its findings or recommendations even nine months later. This inaction has left the Supreme Court impatient for answers.

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How It All Began

The original case centred around whether an LMV licence holder needed a separate licence to drive a transport vehicle, such as a goods carrier or a school bus. Under the current law, driving licences clearly define the vehicle classes a person is permitted to drive. However, in 2017, the Supreme Court ruled that if the vehicle's weight fell under 7,500 kg, a person with an LMV licence could legally drive it, even if it was a transport vehicle, tractor, or road roller.

The Legal Debate

The decision in the case known as Mukund Dewangan v Oriental Insurance Company Limited caused significant debate. Some argued that categorizing tractors and transport vehicles under the LMV definition created legal confusion. For example, if a car owner attached a trailer to their car to carry goods, their car could technically be considered a transport vehicle, leading to further complications.

Challenge to the Supreme Court’s Ruling

The ruling was challenged in 2018 when Bajaj Allianz General Insurance filed a case after being ordered to pay compensation in an accident involving an autorickshaw. Bajaj Allianz argued that the previous ruling failed to account for the different requirements of LMV and transport vehicle licences.

Awaiting the Final Verdict

In July 2023, the court heard arguments on the matter and requested the government to clarify its stance. The government indicated that amendments might be introduced, but they would not be presented until the Winter Session of Parliament in December 2024. However, with Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud set to retire in November 2024, the court is eager to resolve the issue before his departure.

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What to Expect Next?

As the hearing concludes, the Supreme Court's decision could have significant implications for millions of drivers across India. The verdict will clarify whether LMV licence holders are authorized to drive tractors, road rollers, and other transport vehicles under the MVA’s weight restrictions.

Stay tuned for further updates as the court’s decision is expected to shape the future of driving regulations in India.