REPORTABLE

2026 INSC 177 IN THE SUPREME COURT OF INDIA CIVIL APPELLATE JURISDICTION CIVIL APPEAL NO.174 OF 2026 NEW INDIA ASSURANCE CO. LTD. …….APPELLANT(S)

VERSUS REKHA CHAUDHARY AND OTHERS ……RESPONDENT(S)

J U D G M E N T

ARAVIND KUMAR J.

1. Heard. Leave Granted.

INTRODUCTION

2. The scope of present Appeal is confined to a limited aspect that is challenge to the Impugned Judgement and Order dated 21.05.2025 passed in F.A.O No. 147 of 2021 by the Delhi High Court to the extent it has fastened the liability of payment of penalty imposed under Section 4A(3)(b) of the Signature Not Verified Employees Compensation Act, 1923 (hereinafter referred to as “EC Act”)

Digitally signed by RASHI GUPTA Date: 2026.02.23 Reason:

upon the Appellant - New India Assurance Company Limited (for short ‘Insurance Company’) in addition to the amount of compensation and interest while allowing the appeal under Section 30 of the EC Act against order dated 19.11.2020 and 08.02.2021.

BRIEF FACTUAL MATRIX

3. The facts shorn of unnecessary details are set forth hereinbelow.

4. The Respondent no. 1-3 herein are the legal heirs of the deceased employee Shri Sandeep who was employed as a commercial driver by Respondent No.