The Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT) in Thane has awarded ₹16 lakh as compensation to the family of a 42-year-old man who lost his life in a road accident in June 2017. The tribunal held Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Company Ltd. liable to pay the amount, despite the offending vehicle’s driver not holding a valid driving licence at the time of the incident.
The order, passed by MACT member S.N. Shah on May 8 and made public on Monday, pertains to the death of Tatu Ganpat Gaikar, who died after a rashly driven four-wheeler collided with his motorcycle on the night of June 16, 2017. Gaikar was declared dead at a rural hospital in Shahapur after sustaining severe injuries.
The insurance company argued against its liability, citing the absence of a valid driving licence and alleged policy violations, including the use of the vehicle for hire. They also claimed that the deceased had been negligent.
However, the tribunal relied on police documents, including the FIR and chargesheet, which squarely attributed the accident to the negligence of the four-wheeler’s driver. Dismissing the insurer’s objections, the tribunal directed Bajaj Allianz to pay the compensation and granted the company the liberty to recover the amount from the vehicle owner later.
The tribunal also ordered that the compensation be paid with 8% annual interest from the date of filing the claim, with disbursal to be completed within a month. A major portion of the awarded amount is to be apportioned between the victim’s widow and son, with significant
