The Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT) in Thane has awarded a total compensation of ₹59.2 lakh to the family of a 48-year-old milk supplier who died in a road accident on the Nashik-Mumbai highway in 2019. The Tribunal also granted ₹10.5 lakh to the victim’s wife, who was injured in the same accident.
Presiding Officer S. N. Shah delivered the order on May 21, directing that the compensation be paid jointly and severally by the owner and insurer of the offending vehicle—a car that collided with the couple’s motorcycle. The judgment copy became available on Friday.
According to the claim petition, the deceased, Namdev Narayan Kharik, and his wife Kamalabai were travelling on a two-wheeler on March 17, 2019, when a speeding car hit their vehicle, resulting in Namdev’s death and injuries to Kamalabai.
Advocate S. M. Pawar, representing the family, submitted that Namdev earned a monthly income of ₹50,000 from his milk supply business and owned several buffaloes. The Tribunal considered the financial loss to the family in calculating the compensation amount.
While the car owner, Sandeep Hanuman Shendge, did not appear before the Tribunal and was proceeded ex parte, the insurer, Cholamandalam MS General Insurance Co. Ltd., contested the claim through its counsel, Advocate P. T. Sonar.
After examining the evidence and arguments, the Tribunal awarded ₹59.2 lakh to Namdev’s family, along with 8% annual interest from the date of filing the petition until the payment is realised. Additionally, ₹10.5 lakh with similar interest was granted to Kamalabai for the injuries she sustained.
