4 daughters of accident victim awarded Rs 32.44-lakh relief

The Motor Accident Claims Tribunal has directed the insurance company, driver and owner of a car to pay Rs 32.44-lakh compensation along with interest at the rate of 9% per annum to four sisters whose father died in an accident two years ago.

The claimants, Gurjinder Kaur and her three sisters, had filed the petition under Section 166 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, seeking compensation for the death of their father Dalbir Singh in an accident two years ago.

The claimants, all residents of Dadumajra here, said that on June 24, 2023, Dalbir was returning to his house on a bicycle around 8.30 pm. When he reached Dadumajra, a speeding car struck his bicycle from behind. Dalbir suffered serious injuries and was shifted to the government hospital in Sector 16 here. Doctors referred him to the PGI where he succumbed to injuries at night.

The claimants said the accident had taken place due to rash and negligent driving. A criminal case was registered against the driver on a statement of Navdeep Singh, who was present at the accident spot. Dalbir was 48 years old and working as peon in a private company. He earned Rs 35,000 per month.

As the unmarried daughters were totally dependent on the deceased, they were legally entitled to a compensation of Rs 75 lakh along with interest.

The counsel for the car diver argued that no accident took place with the car.

The respondent No. 2 (insurance company) failed to appear before the tribunal and was proceeded ex-parte.

After hearing of the arguments, the tribunal said the claimants were entitled to Rs 32,44,522 in compensation and interest.