Witness Statement Change - Several cases indicate that witnesses initially provided certain statements about vehicle involvement but later altered or retracted these statements during proceedings, raising questions about credibility and accuracy ["Tamil Nadu State Transport Coporation Ltd, Vs Santhi, - Madras"], ["Chuto Gaur vs National Insurance Company Ltd. - Gauhati"], ["Rupeswari Rabha Ray, W/o. Lt. Binod Ray VS Divisional Manager, Oriental Insurance Co. Ltd. - Gauhati"].
Impact of Witness Credibility - Courts have noted that disbelieving witnesses solely due to procedural delays (e.g., late recording of statements) is unjustified if their testimony remains consistent and relevant, emphasizing the importance of substantive evidence over procedural lapses ["A1 Kuncham Lavanya VS R1 Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Co. Ltd. - Supreme Court"], ["Chuto Gaur vs National Insurance Company Ltd. - Gauhati"].
Evidence Consideration in MACT Cases - Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT) judgments rely heavily on oral testimony, documentary evidence like FIR, medical reports, and police records. Discrepancies or changes in witness statements can influence the outcome, but courts also consider the overall credibility and corroboration of evidence ["Chuto Gaur vs National Insurance Company Ltd. - Gauhati"], ["Beiphakhu VS A. Z. Mosa - Gauhati"], ["Chandana Paramanik VS Bajaj Allianz Insurance Co. Ltd. - Calcutta"].
Vehicle and Identity Alterations - There are instances where parties, especially insurance companies, allege that the vehicle details (such as registration numbers or vehicle type) were intentionally altered to avoid liability, suggesting deliberate misrepresentation during claims or investigations ["RELIANCE GENERAL INSURANCE COMPANY LTD vs G.V.SHIVARAJU - Karnataka"].
Legal Principles on Evidence - Courts have clarified that strict criminal trial standards of proof are not applicable in MACT cases; however, inconsistent or suspicious witness statements, especially regarding vehicle details, can lead to judgments being set aside or remanded for re-evaluation ["Chandana Paramanik VS Bajaj Allianz Insurance Co. Ltd. - Calcutta"], ["Rupeswari Rabha Ray, W/o. Lt. Binod Ray VS Divisional Manager, Oriental Insurance Co. Ltd. - Gauhati"].
Analysis and Conclusion:The sources collectively highlight that witnesses changing their statements about vehicle involvement in accident cases are a significant concern. Courts scrutinize such alterations, especially when they suggest an attempt to mislead or conceal facts, often leading to judgments being challenged, remanded, or set aside. The credibility of witness testimony, corroborated by police and documentary evidence, remains crucial in determining liability in motor accident claims. The tendency of parties, particularly insurers, to alter vehicle details to evade responsibility underscores the importance of thorough and honest investigation and evidence collection in MACT proceedings.
