Australian driving licence does not grant automatic right to drive in India: Punjab & Haryana HC
The Punjab and Haryana High Court has ruled that an Australian domestic driving licence does not automatically entitle its holder to drive a motor vehicle in India. Justice Deepak Gupta observed that without a valid International Driving Permit or authorisation recognised under Indian law, such a licence cannot be treated as valid under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.
The judgment arose from a motor accident appeal involving compensation of ₹2,49,500 awarded after a nine-month-old child died in a 2015 accident. The appellant claimed he held a valid Victorian driving licence and was not driving at the time, citing his criminal acquittal. The court upheld the insurance company's recovery rights against the driver and vehicle owner, finding the Australian licence insufficient under Indian motor law.
