Supreme Court Orders Swift Integration of Accident Databases for Efficient Claims Processing

Supreme Court's Directive on Database Integration

New Delhi: The Supreme Court has mandated that both the central and state governments link essential databases related to motor accidents, including VAHAN, SARATHI, the Electronic Detailed Accident Report (eDAR) portal, and the Insurance Information Bureau (IIB), within a four-week timeframe. This initiative aims to enhance the efficiency of processing motor accident claims and facilitate the smooth exchange of accident-related data.

A bench comprising Justices Ahsanuddin Amanullah and Prasanna B. Varale instructed all states to promptly upload accident data onto the eDAR portal, managed by the National Informatics Centre (NIC). The court noted that only a limited number of states had begun this process, despite the portal being operational.

The court's order includes linking eDAR with the IIB, which operates under the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI). This integration will allow for seamless cross-referencing of accident reports, vehicle records, insurer details, and historical claims.

Additionally, the integration will cover hit-and-run incidents and the PM-RAHAT scheme, enabling insurers to receive immediate alerts about accidents.

The Supreme Court emphasized that the integration must be completed within four weeks and required compliance reports to be submitted, along with the necessary details as per previous orders, through affidavits.

These directives were issued while the court reviewed the compliance of various insurance companies with earlier orders that mandated their senior officials to appear in person to address their non-compliance.

During the proceedings, the bench expressed discontent over the failure of several insurance companies to adhere to its directives regarding attendance and affidavit submissions, leading to contempt notices being issued to the CEOs of specific insurers.

The court dismissed an apology from Navi General Insurance Ltd.'s Managing Director and CEO Vaibhav Goyal, labeling it as 'cosmetic and insincere,' noting that no actions had been taken against those responsible for neglecting the court's notice.

A contempt notice was issued to Goyal, requiring him to submit a personal affidavit explaining why he should not face consequences for his inaction.

Furthermore, the Supreme Court provided a final chance for states that have not yet formed Special Investigation Teams (SITs) as per its earlier directives to do so within four weeks. The case is scheduled for further hearing on November 27 at 2 p.m.