A Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT) in Thane has directed the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) to pay a compensation of Rs 36.3 lakh to the family of a man who died in a collision with a state transport bus in 2020. The judgment, delivered by Member RV Mohite on January 1, apportioned blame for the accident, holding the bus driver primarily responsible.
Tribunal Assesses Shared Negligence in Fatal Collision
In its detailed order, the tribunal assessed the liability for the accident, which occurred on December 9, 2020. The judgment stated that the negligence of the deceased motorcyclist was assessed at 20%, while the negligence of the ST bus driver was fixed at 80%. This apportionment was crucial in determining the final compensation amount payable by the state transport undertaking.
The tragic incident took place on the Kalyan-Murbad road. The 44-year-old victim was riding his motorcycle when an ST bus, coming from the opposite direction, collided with his vehicle. He sustained severe injuries in the crash and later succumbed during treatment.
Compensation Details and Family's Plea
The compensation claim was filed by the victim's widow, his two daughters, and his elderly parents. They argued before the tribunal that the deceased was a permanent employee at a freight service company with a monthly income exceeding Rs 26,000. His untimely death caused significant financial and emotional hardship for the family.
The tribunal dismissed key defenses raised by the MSRTC. The judgment noted there was "absolutely no evidence" to support the bus driver's claim that the motorcyclist was overtaking a truck at the time of the accident. Furthermore, the tribunal found no proof that the driver had given light signals or applied brakes effectively, as no brake marks were found at the accident spot.
Court's Directives on Payout and Deposits
The MACT has ordered the MSRTC to deposit the awarded amount along with an annual interest of 9% from March 2021. The tribunal also issued specific directives regarding the management of the compensation to ensure long-term financial security for the dependents.
A significant portion of the compensation awarded to the victim's widow and his two daughters is to be placed in three-year fixed deposits. This measure is intended to provide a stable financial foundation for the family's future, safeguarding the funds for essential needs like education and livelihood.
This ruling underscores the legal recourse available to families of road accident victims and highlights the scrutiny applied to claims of negligence, especially in cases involving public transport vehicles.
