The Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT) in Thane has awarded ₹4.19 lakh as compensation to a man who sustained severe injuries in an autorickshaw accident nearly nine years ago.
MACT Member R.V. Mohite, in an order dated August 22 (made available on Saturday), directed the autorickshaw driver—who remained absent during the proceedings—to pay the compensation with 9% annual interest from the date of the petition until its realization.
The incident occurred on June 21, 2016, when claimant Sachin Anil Bokil (45), a dental technician residing in Thane West, was waiting for an autorickshaw. A speeding vehicle hit him, causing him to fall onto a concrete road divider. Bokil underwent multiple surgeries and neurological treatment following the accident.
Initially, he filed a claim of ₹25 lakh under the Motor Vehicles Act, later restricting it to ₹1 lakh. He supported his case with detailed medical records and testimonies from hospital administrators and a neurosurgeon regarding the extent of his injuries.
While acknowledging the seriousness of the injuries, the tribunal observed that Bokil continued in his employment without any reduction in salary, despite the disability certificate submitted. The court, therefore, assessed compensation primarily on the basis of medical expenses and the pain and suffering endured.
The tribunal determined the total compensation to be ₹12.19 lakh. Of this amount, Bokil had earlier settled ₹8 lakh with the autorickshaw owner. The tribunal has now directed the driver to pay the remaining ₹4.19 lakh.
