In a significant ruling, the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT) in Panchkula has ordered a compensation of Rs 49.54 lakh to be paid to a professional chef who lost his leg after being hit by a truck. The tribunal found the truck driver, the vehicle's owner, and the insurance company fully liable for the life-altering incident.
The Fateful Accident and Severe Injuries
The victim, Heera Singh, aged 37, was working as a chef at a private hotel in Panchkula. His life changed dramatically on April 14, 2023. According to the case details, Singh was cycling back home after his shift, around 1:30 PM. As he approached the traffic light intersection between Sectors 4 and 12 in Panchkula, a truck rammed into his bicycle.
The collision was so violent that Singh was thrown onto the road. Shockingly, the truck then dragged him for some distance, causing catastrophic injuries. He was rushed to the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) in Chandigarh. Doctors discovered multiple fractures in his legs. Given the severe and irreparable damage, medical professionals had no choice but to amputate one of his legs, resulting in permanent disability.
Legal Battle for Justice and Livelihood
Following the traumatic accident, Heera Singh, with the help of his lawyer Advocate Sunil K. Dixit, approached the MACT to seek compensation for his immense losses. In his petition, Singh highlighted that he earned approximately Rs 25,000 per month as a chef. His profession demands long hours of standing to perform essential tasks like washing, cutting vegetables, and cooking.
Advocate Dixit argued powerfully before the tribunal that working as a chef with an amputated leg had become an extreme challenge for his client. The accident did not just cause physical and emotional trauma; it severely impacted Singh's earning capacity and jeopardized his future livelihood. The legal counsel emphasized that the claimant faced continuous financial hardship and long-term suffering due to the incident.
Tribunal's Verdict and Compensation Breakdown
The respondents in the case—truck driver Chhote Lal (resident of Sector 25, Panchkula), the truck owner RN Contractors, and the United India Insurance Company—had opposed the claim, disputing their liability. After carefully hearing arguments from both sides and scrutinizing all evidence, the MACT rejected their defense.
The tribunal held all three respondents jointly responsible for the accident. The final compensation amount of Rs 49.54 lakh was calculated to cover Singh's past and future medical expenses, loss of income, the drastic reduction in his future earning potential, and the pain and suffering caused by permanent disability.
This ruling underscores the accountability of vehicle operators and owners on Indian roads and provides a measure of financial security to a victim whose career and life were irrevocably damaged.
