National Insurance Co. Ltd vs. Nithin

Court:Supreme Court of India
Judge:Hon'ble Sanjay Karol
Case Status:Pending
Order Date:9 May 2025
CNR:SCIN010136362025

AI Summary

In a crucial procedural development for a Special Leave Petition concerning a likely insurance claim, the Supreme Court has ordered fresh notice to be served on one of the respondents through the trial court. This directive ensures that the unserved party, who had reportedly left without instructions, is properly informed, highlighting the judiciary's commitment to due process even in complex appeals.

Ratio Decidendi:
When a respondent in a Special Leave Petition remains unserved due to the addressee having left without instructions, the Supreme Court may direct the issuance of a fresh notice to that respondent, specifically instructing service through the concerned Trial Court to ensure effective delivery and uphold the principles of natural justice and due process.

Case Identifiers

Primary Case No:11172/2025
Case Type:Special Leave Petition (Civil)
Case Sub-Type:SLP - Motor Accident Compensation Claim
Secondary Case Numbers:13636/2025, SCIN010136362025
Order Date:2025-05-09
Filing Year:2025
Court:Supreme Court Of India
Bench:Division Bench
Judges:Hon'ble Sanjay Karol, Hon'ble Manoj Misra

Petitioner's Counsel

Amit Kumar Singh
Advocate - Appeared
K Enatoli Sema
Advocate - Appeared
Chubalemla Chang
Advocate - Appeared
Prang Newmai
Advocate - Appeared

Advocates on Record

Amit Kumar Singh

eCourtsIndia AITM

Brief Facts Summary

The Supreme Court was hearing Special Leave Petition (Civil) No. 11172/2025, filed by National Insurance Co. Ltd. against Nithin & Anr., challenging a High Court of Karnataka order dated 05-11-2024. During the hearing on May 9, 2025, it was brought to the Court's attention via an office report that Respondent No.1 (Nithin) had not been served because the 'addressee left without instructions'. Consequently, the Court directed that a fresh notice be issued to Respondent No.1 through the concerned Trial Court, setting the next returnable date for July 29, 2025.

Timeline of Events

2018

Impugned MFA No. 8639/2018 filed in High Court of Karnataka.

2024-11-05

Final judgment and order passed by High Court of Karnataka at Bengaluru in MFA No. 8639/2018.

2025-03-13

Special Leave Petition (Civil) filing date in Supreme Court.

2025-04-17

First hearing date in Supreme Court, IA for condonation of delay allowed.

2025-05-09

Hearing in Supreme Court, where Respondent No.1 was reported unserved; fresh notice ordered.

2025-07-29

Next hearing date for the case.

Key Factual Findings

Respondent No.1 (Nithin) remains unserved.

Source: Current Court Finding

The reason for non-service of Respondent No.1 is that the 'addressee left without instructions'.

Source: Current Court Finding

Primary Legal Issues

1.Effectiveness of notice service to a respondent in a Special Leave Petition when the addressee has left without instructions.

Secondary Legal Issues

1.Procedural requirements for ensuring due process when a party is unserved.

Court's Reasoning

The Court noted from the office report that Respondent No.1 remained unserved because the addressee had left without instructions. To ensure proper service and adherence to procedural fairness, the Court decided that fresh notice should be issued to Respondent No.1, and this service should be facilitated through the concerned Trial Court.

Judicial Philosophy Indicators:
  • Emphasis on Natural Justice
  • Strict Adherence to Procedure
Order Nature:Procedural, Interim
Disposition Status:Pending

Impugned Orders

High Court Of Karnataka At Bengaluru
Case: MFA No. 8639/2018
Date: 2024-11-05

Specific Directions

  1. 1.Fresh notice to be issued to Respondent No.1 through the concerned Trial Court.
  2. 2.The matter is returnable on 29.07.2025.

Precedential Assessment

Non-Binding (Procedural)

This order is procedural, dealing with the specific issue of notice service in one case. It does not establish new legal principles or interpret substantive law.

Tips for Legal Practice

1.When a respondent is unserved due to 'addressee left without instructions', preparing for service through the trial court is a common next step.
2.Always ensure office reports regarding notice service are thoroughly reviewed and addressed promptly to avoid delays.
3.Condonation of delay applications (IA No. 88994/2025 was allowed on 2025-04-17, as per JSON) are critical for challenging High Court orders, especially in appeals.

Legal Tags

Supreme Court Special Leave Petition ProcedureNotice Service Challenges IndiaUnserved Respondent Fresh Notice DirectionMotor Accident Claims Appeal Supreme CourtProcedural Order Ensuring Due Process

Disclaimer: eCourtsIndia (ECI) is not a lawyer and this analysis is generated by ECI AI, it might make mistakes. This is not a legal advice. Please consult with a qualified legal professional for matters requiring legal expertise.

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Order Text

ITEM NO.69

COURT NO.16

SUPREME COURT OF INDIA RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS

Petition(s) for Special Leave to Appeal (C) No(s). 11172/2025

[Arising out of impugned final judgment and order dated 05-11-2024 in MFA No. 8639/2018 passed by the High Court of Karnataka at Bengalurul

NATIONAL INSURANCE CO. LTD.

Petitioner(s)

VERSUS

NITHIN & ANR.

Respondent $(s)$

(IA No. 88994/2025 - CONDONATION OF DELAY IN FILING)

Date: 09-05-2025 This matter was called on for hearing today.

CORAM :

HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE SANJAY KAROL HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE MANOJ MISRA

For Petitioner(s) : Mr. Amit Kumar Singh, AOR Ms. K Enatoli Sema, Adv. Ms. Chubalemla Chang, Adv. Mr. Prang Newmai, Adv.

For Respondent(s) :

UPON hearing the counsel the Court made the following $0 R D E R$

As per office report respondent No.1 remain unserved for the 1. reason that "addressee left without instructions".

$2.$ Let fresh notice be issued to respondent No.1 through the concerned Trial Court, returnable on 29.07.2025.

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(ANU BHALLA) COURT MASTER (NSH)