Dependants in motor accident claims require proof of actual financial dependence; married siblings without such evidence cannot recover compensation.

In motor accident compensation claims, adult married siblings are not ordinarily treated as dependants unless there is clear evidence of actual financial dependence on the deceased. The SC noted that the deceased lived separately and the claimants were older married brothers with their own families, with no material showing dependence on the deceased's earnings. On that basis, the siblings were held not to be dependants, and the compensation awarded in their favour was found unjustified; the award as affirmed by the High Court was set aside.

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Issues: Whether the deceased's older married brothers could be treated as dependants entitled to compensation under the motor accident award.

Analysis: The evidence showed that the deceased lived separately, while the claimants were older, married siblings with their own families. In the absence of material showing dependency on the deceased's earnings, brothers and sisters are not ordinarily treated as dependants, particularly where they are independent, married, or otherwise not financially dependent on the deceased.

Conclusion: The three married siblings were not dependants of the deceased, and the compensation awarded in their favour was unjustified. The award as affirmed by the High Court was set aside.

Ratio Decidendi: In a motor accident claim, adult married siblings are not to be treated as dependants unless evidence establishes actual financial dependency on the deceased.

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