MACT Chandigarh orders Rs 18.3-lakh compensation for family of ex-Army man killed in road accident

The Motor Accident Claims Tribunal Chandigarh has directed an insurance company to compensate the wife and three children of Bhupinder Singh, who died in an accident three years ago, with Rs 18,30,090.

Surinder Kaur, wife of Bhupinder Singh, resident of a village in Ambala, in the claim petition filed under Section 166 of the Motor Vehicle Act said that on February 23, 2023, Bhupinder, along with her as a pillion rider, was travelling on his motorcycle from Laha village in Naraingarh tehsil, Ambala to the military canteen at Ambala. He maintained a slow speed and drove on the correct side of the Naraingarh–Ambala road, along the kachcha berm. At about 11.20 am, when they were nearing the bridge close to Chhajumajra village, a car approached from the Naraingarh side and struck the motorcycle.

Both of them fell on the metalled portion of the road. Bhupinder sustained serious injuries, including a head injury and started bleeding profusely.

He was provided first aid at CHC, Shahzadpur and was thereafter referred to PGI, Chandigarh, where he was declared brought dead.

Surinder said that at the time of his death, Bhupinder was about 62 years old. He was a retired Army personnel receiving a pension of approximately Rs 28,000 per month.

He was also engaged in agricultural activities on 4 acres of land, earning about Rs 10,000 per month. The claimants were fully dependent upon his income and he was the sole breadwinner of the family.

However, the driver of the car and the insurance company denied the allegations. The driver’s counsel opposed the contentions and argued that no accident took place due to rash and negligent driving.

After hearing the arguments, the tribunal said the claimants were entitled to a compensation of Rs 18,30,090 with an interest of 7 per cent. The tribunal said the amount was to be paid jointly and severally by the driver-cum-owner of the car and the insurance company.