The Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT) in Maharashtra’s Thane has directed payment of ₹24.49 lakh as compensation to the family of a businessman who died in a road accident in 2015. The tribunal held the car driver responsible for the accident and ordered the driver and vehicle owner to jointly pay the compensation with interest.
Tribunal member R. V. Mohite passed the order on February 25, and the copy of the decision was made available on Wednesday.
The case relates to the death of Ramadhar Girija Sharma, a 47-year-old businessman who was killed on June 21, 2015 in the Bhayandar (East) area on the outskirts of Mumbai. According to the tribunal record, Sharma died after being hit by a Maruti car.
Following the incident, the police registered a case against the driver under the Indian Penal Code and the Motor Vehicles Act.
After examining the evidence on record, the tribunal concluded that the accident occurred due to the “rash and sole negligent driving” of the car driver. This finding formed the basis for awarding compensation to the deceased’s family.
While determining the compensation amount, the tribunal relied on Sharma’s income tax returns, which showed that he earned ₹2.18 lakh annually from his business dealing in Ayurvedic medicines.
Applying the multiplier method commonly used in motor accident claims and adding 25 percent towards future prospects, the tribunal assessed the total compensation payable to the family at ₹24.49 lakh.
The tribunal directed that the compensation amount be paid within one month by the driver and the owner of the offending vehicle, who are jointly and severally liable.
The tribunal also ordered that the amount carry 9 percent annual interest from the date of filing the claim petition until payment.
