Eyewitness credibility trumps procedural lapses in hit-and-run cases

The Supreme Court dismissed the appeal filed by the claimants challenging the High Court’s reversal of the Tribunal’s award in a motor accident claim arising from a hit-and-run incident in Rajamma vs M/S Reliance General Insurance Co. Ltd on September 26, 2025. The claimants alleged that the sole breadwinner of their family, the husband of the first appellant, died in a road accident, witnessed by a close family associate, and that the offending vehicle’s driver had abandoned the victim under false pretenses.

The Tribunal had originally awarded Rs.16,02,000/- to the claimants, relying primarily on the testimony of of the deceased and eyewitness. The insurance company’s objections, including allegations of fraud and lack of vehicle involvement, were rejected by the Tribunal, which noted the absence of rebuttal evidence and the failure to examine the driver. The High Court, however, reversed the award, questioning the veracity of eyewitness; testimony and the procedural irregularities regarding the FIR, including its initial registration at a police station without jurisdiction.

The Supreme Court noted that the FIR registered at Hebbagodi Police Station, though delayed in transfer, contained a typographical error regarding the time of the accident and did not affect the substantive claim. However, wife’s testimony was found unreliable: her account was inconsistent, she was an unverified chance witness operating a fruit stall, and she failed to properly identify the vehicle or its driver.

The Court also noted that the victim’s daughter was not examined, further weakening the evidentiary basis. On these grounds, the Supreme Court held that the High Court’s findings rejecting the claim were justified. The inconsistencies in witness testimony and lack of supporting evidence undermined the claimants’ case. The appeal was therefore dismissed in its entirety, affirming the High Court’s order and requiring no further intervention.

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Litigation Internship at DBS Bank India – Apply Now for 3-Month Paid Legal Internship

If you’re a final-year law student passionate about litigation and eager to gain real-world experience at a prestigious financial institution, here’s an excellent opportunity for you. The Litigation Internship at DBS Bank India offers driven law students a dynamic, hands-on legal experience in Mumbai.

This internship program is designed for enthusiastic and career-oriented law students from reputed law schools who are looking to enhance their understanding of litigation and dispute resolution in the financial sector.

Internship Details

  • Position: Legal Intern – Litigation Team
  • Organization: DBS Bank India
  • Location: Nariman Point, Mumbai
  • Duration: 3 months (extendable up to 6 months)
  • Stipend: Paid internship (amount not specified)

This opportunity is ideal for students looking to transition from academic learning into practical exposure, especially in a structured in-house legal team dealing with commercial and financial litigation.

Who Can Apply?

The Litigation Internship at DBS Bank India is open to:

  • Final-year law students enrolled in a reputed law college
  • Students who are currently residing in Mumbai or can work from the Nariman Point office (preference will be given to Mumbai-based candidates)

The bank is looking for applicants who are responsible, self-driven, eager to learn, and interested in litigation work, including research, drafting, and coordination.

Responsibilities of the Intern

As an intern with the Litigation Team at DBS Bank India, you will:

  • Assist with legal research on ongoing and prospective litigation cases
  • Prepare and review legal documentation and case briefs
  • Help the team organize litigation-related materials, court filings, and case records
  • Gain exposure to real-world legal disputes handled by the bank, especially in commercial and financial matters
  • Collaborate with external counsel and internal legal team to support case strategy and planning

This internship offers a valuable window into litigation work in a corporate setting—bridging law school education with actual courtroom and dispute resolution experience.

Skills You Will Gain

Interns will develop:

  • Strong legal research and writing skills
  • A deep understanding of court procedures and litigation strategy
  • Experience in legal compliance and regulatory documentation
  • Soft skills such as professionalism, teamwork, communication, and deadline management in a high-pressure environment

This is not a shadowing internship. Interns will be actively contributing to real legal processes under supervision and will walk away with concrete, hands-on experience.

Application Process

Interested candidates must email the following:

  • A current resume (PDF or Word format preferred)
  • A brief introduction (2–3 paragraphs in the email body) explaining why you’re interested in litigation and why you’re a good fit for the role

Send your application to:
priyankkapoor@dbs.com
Subject line: Application for Litigation Internship – DBS Bank

It’s advisable to apply early, as positions may be filled on a rolling basis.

Why You Should Apply

The Litigation Internship at DBS Bank India is a rare chance to work in the legal division of a major multinational bank. DBS has consistently been recognized among the top financial institutions in Asia and offers interns:

  • An opportunity to work alongside experienced lawyers in the financial sector
  • Training that goes beyond textbooks into actual dispute management and legal strategy
  • A stipend to support your internship period
  • A professional environment that fosters legal learning and networking

Whether you’re planning to pursue litigation, join corporate law practice, or prepare for judiciary/LLM pathways, this internship will give you insights into both substantive and procedural aspects of Indian litigation—especially from a financial institution’s perspective.

Conclusion

For any aspiring litigation lawyer, the Litigation Internship at DBS Bank India provides a career-defining experience. It offers a chance to grow professionally, contribute meaningfully to high-stakes legal work, and build a credible foundation for your legal career.

If you’re a final-year law student who thrives in fast-paced environments and is ready to work on real litigation matters, apply now and step into the world of financial legal practice with one of the most reputable banks in India.


Also Read – Sexual Harassment in Indian Educational Workplaces: Legal Framework & Institutional Reforms

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