Show-cause notice served on PRTC MD

CHANDIGARH: For failing to pay Rs 27.17 lakh awarded by the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT) to the grieving families of two bike riders, who died after being hit by a PEPSU Roadways Transport Corporation (PRTC) bus in 2012, a local court here has served a show-cause notice on its Managing Director (MD). The court has asked him to file a reply on February 22 for the non-compliance of order.

Sandeep Rana

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, January 16

For failing to pay Rs 27.17 lakh awarded by the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT) to the grieving families of two bike riders, who died after being hit by a PEPSU Roadways Transport Corporation (PRTC) bus in 2012, a local court here has served a show-cause notice on its Managing Director (MD). The court has asked him to file a reply on February 22 for the non-compliance of order.

The corporation failed to act despite the fact that the court had earlier on October 21, 2016, attached its bus. The bus was later released on the order of the court after PRTC sought time and gave an undertaking to follow the directives. However, it has still not implemented the order and the petitioners then moved the present execution plea.

In the petition moved by Rajpura-based legal heirs of deceased Gurmeet Singh and Gurmail Singh, it was said on March 12, 2012, the duo was going on a motorcycle from Zirakpur to Mohi village. At 12:30 pm when they reached near the bus stand in Chhat village, the offending PRTC vehicle being driven by Jagjeet Singh came from the opposite side at a very high speed, driving rashly and negligently and hit the bike. The two suffered serious injuries, which proved fatal for them.

In his reply, the General Manager of the corporation instead said the bike rider was driving rashly and no such accident took place due to the bus. It was also added in the reply the deceased bike rider was not holding a driving licence and was drunk.After the case proceedings, MACT on December 31, 2014, ordered the respondents to pay a compensation of Rs 13,27,000 to the family of Gurmeet and Rs Rs 13,90,000 to the family of Gurmail. The counsel for the petitioners had contented the PRTC buses were not insured, thus the corporation and the driver were jointly and severally liable to pay the whole amount.

The court had also directed the respondents to pay the amount along with 7.5 per cent per annum compensation from the date of filing of the petition till realisation. But so far, the anxious families are awaiting the compensation.