The Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT) in Thane has awarded a compensation of ₹37.64 lakh to the family of a man who lost his life in a road accident in March 2019. The order, passed by MACT chairman S.B. Agrawal on May 6, was made public on Friday.
The deceased, Kunal Godbole, was reportedly en route to his office on a scooter in Thane on March 24, 2019, when a speeding container truck rammed into his vehicle from behind. Godbole sustained fatal head injuries and died on the spot. An FIR was registered against the truck driver following the incident.
Advocate P.M. Tillu, representing the petitioners, argued that the accident was a result of the truck driver’s negligence. The tribunal concurred, noting, “From the documents, especially the police papers, it is apparent that the accident was caused because of the negligence of the driver of the tempo owned and insured by the respondents.”
Holding both the owner of the container truck and the insurance company—Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Co. Ltd—jointly and severally liable, the tribunal ordered them to pay the compensation amount along with interest at 7.5% per annum from the date the petition was filed.
