Criminal Acquittal Cannot Control Civil MACT Claims; Standard Of Proof Differs: Supreme Court
Accordingly, the Bench set aside a Karnataka High Court order that had attributed 50% contributory negligence to a deceased car driver based on the acquittal of a Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) bus driver.
Explanation in simple terms: The Supreme Court ruled that when someone is found not guilty in a criminal case, it doesn't automatically mean they can't be held responsible in a separate civil case. This is because criminal cases require much stronger proof than civil cases. In Reena's accident case against the bus company, even if the criminal charges are dropped, she can still pursue compensation for her injuries through a civil claim.