Employment need not be long-standing to be genuine

The deceased had been employed shortly before the accident. The owner explained that the short interval caused confusion. The timing of the employment did not negate the relationship. The evidence showed that the deceased worked as a driver. A brief period of service does not automatically defeat a claim. The court considered the owner’s admission alongside other evidence. The Commissioner found employment established on the record. That finding was upheld by the Supreme Court. Panganti Vijaya v. United India Insurance Company Ltd. & Ors. | 2026 INSC 9