Chandigarh MACT Awards ₹15.63 Lakh Compensation to Parents of Road Accident Victim

Son had died in a 2020 accident

The Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT), Chandigarh has directed the drivers, owners, and the insurance company of a canter and a truck to jointly and severally pay ₹15,63,179 as compensation to the parents of a 23-year-old man who died in a road accident five years ago.

The petition was filed by Lata Devi and Bal Mukund, residents of Solan district, Himachal Pradesh, seeking compensation for the death of their son Neeraj Kumar, who died in an accident that took place in Rajasthan.

According to the petition filed through advocate Sunil Kumar Dixit, the accident occurred on July 4, 2020, when Neeraj was traveling as a co-driver in a canter transporting goods from Nagaur to Sriganganagar, Rajasthan.

Around 5:30 p.m., near Kotputli, the truck ahead suddenly applied brakes, causing the canter to collide with it. Neeraj sustained multiple injuries, including a severe head injury, and died on the spot.

The petitioners argued that the accident resulted from the negligence of both drivers. A First Information Report (FIR) was registered at Kotputli Police Station, Jaipur district, under Sections 279 and 304A of the Indian Penal Code.

Neeraj’s parents stated that their unmarried son earned ₹19,500 per month, and they were dependent on his income. They had sought ₹50 lakh in compensation, including interest.

The respondents denied negligence and alleged that the case had been filed falsely to claim compensation.

After hearing arguments and examining evidence, the tribunal held the respondents jointly and severally liable and directed them to pay ₹15,63,179 to the petitioners along with 7.5% annual interest from the date of filing the claim until realization.