Thu Mar 06 16:14:50 UTC 2025: ## Karnataka RTC’s Contradictory Stance in Fatal Accident Case Deemed ‘Mala Fide’ by High Court

**Bengaluru, March 6, 2025** – The Karnataka High Court has ruled against the North-West Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (NWKRTC) for presenting conflicting arguments in a 2013 fatal accident case. The court deemed the NWKRTC’s actions “mala fide,” citing contradictory statements made before the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT) and the Labour Court regarding the role of their bus driver in the accident, which resulted in the death of a motorcyclist.

In its defense before the MACT, NWKRTC claimed its driver was not at fault, placing blame on the motorcyclist. However, simultaneously, the corporation dismissed the driver for rash and negligent driving based on an internal departmental inquiry. The High Court highlighted the inconsistency, noting that the NWKRTC’s internal inquiry began in January 2014, while the MACT proceedings concluded in June 2014.

Justice Suraj Govindaraj, in dismissing the NWKRTC’s petition challenging a 2019 Labour Court order, emphasized that the corporation, as a government entity, is expected to act as a “model litigant,” maintaining consistent and truthful positions in legal proceedings. The judge stated that the contradictory stances were unsustainable and demonstrated bad faith.

The High Court ordered NWKRTC to pay the dismissed driver, Hussainsab, all back wages as per the Labour Court’s ruling, which reinstated him and ordered payment of wages after his retirement. The ruling underscores the importance of consistent and ethical conduct by government entities in legal matters.

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