A Delhi Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT) has awarded a compensation of ₹4.4 lakh to the family of a man who suffered grievous injuries in a 2019 road accident and later died a natural death while the case was still pending.
The tribunal, presided over by Judge Charu Gupta, was hearing a petition filed by the family of Mahipal, who sustained 40% permanent disability after the auto-rickshaw he was travelling in collided with a car on March 20, 2019.
In its October 28 order, the tribunal held that the accident occurred due to the rash and negligent driving of the auto-rickshaw driver. “In totality of circumstances, this tribunal is of the opinion that the petitioners have been able to prove on the scales of preponderance of probabilities that the accident in question took place due to rash and negligent driving of the offending vehicle (auto rickshaw) by its driver,” the court said.
The tribunal also noted that the driver did not possess a valid driving licence at the time of the accident.
While Mahipal passed away during the pendency of the case from causes unrelated to the accident, his family members continued the claim proceedings. After assessing the medical records, disability certificate, and other evidence, the tribunal granted compensation under various heads, including medical expenses, pain and suffering, loss of income, and attendant charges.
The insurer, Go Digit General Insurance Limited, has been directed to deposit the awarded amount.
