Misdescription statutory provision claim petition does not alter true nature substantive relief sought

The mere reference to an incorrect statutory provision in a motor accident compensation application does not alter the underlying character of the claim where the facts, pleadings, and relief sought clearly disclose a cause of action under the appropriate substantive section. Where a claimant files a petition citing Section 163A of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, but explicitly pleads specific acts of rash and negligent driving against the offending vehicle's driver and claims compensation exceeding statutory limits, the application must be construed and adjudicated as a claim petition under Section 166 of the Act. Courts must look to the substance of the pleadings and factual averments rather than technical misdescriptions to ensure fair and complete adjudication of motor accident claims. (S. Shakul Hameed v. Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation Limited | 2026 INSC 29)