Chandigarh tribunal awards Rs 19-lakh relief to Haryana-based kin of fatal mishap victim

The Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT), Chandigarh, has directed the driver and the owner of a car, and an insurance company to pay a compensation of Rs 19,60,200 to the widow and four children of a man who died in an accident involving the vehicle seven years ago.

In her claim petition, Maya, a resident of Panipat district in Haryana, stated that on June 15, 2019, her husband Ram Kumar was riding pillion on a bike while going to Balla village in Karnal district when a speeding car coming from the opposite side hit the motorcycle on the Assandh road. Ram Kumar and Muni Ram, who was driving the bike, received serious injuries. They were rushed to the hospital where Ram Kumar died during treatment.

She stated that the accident had taken place due to rash and negligent driving of the car driver. She said the deceased was 53 years old at the time of accident and working as school bus driver, earning approximately Rs 20,000 per month. The claimants were dependent upon the income of the deceased and hence, legally entitled to receive compensation to the extent of Rs 50 lakh.

The driver and the owner of the car denied the allegations. They claimed that they were in no way responsible for the alleged accident.

After hearing the arguments, the tribunal directed the respondents to pay a compensation of Rs 19,60,200 along with interest @ 9% per annum to the kin of the deceased from the date of filing of the complaint. The insurance company was directed to deposit the compensation amount directly in the account of claimants within 15 days after their account numbers were furnished.