Thane MACT Awards Rs 1.4 Crore Compensation to Family of Deceased Lawyer in 2021 Road Accident
In a significant ruling, the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT) in Thane has ordered a tour operator and an insurance company to collectively pay Rs 1.4 crore as compensation to the family of a 45-year-old lawyer who tragically lost his life in a road accident in 2021. The tribunal's decision underscores the legal accountability for negligent driving and provides financial relief to the bereaved family.
Details of the Accident and Tribunal Proceedings
The fatal accident occurred on July 6, 2021, when the victim, Suhas Rawool, was riding his motorcycle on the Sion flyover. According to the tribunal's findings, a car belonging to Glamour Tours & Travels was traveling on the wrong side of the road and collided with Rawool's motorcycle. The impact of the collision was severe, and Rawool succumbed to his injuries the following day, leaving his family in distress.
Following the accident, a criminal case was registered against the car driver, and Rawool's family members sought a compensation of Rs 2.5 crore from the responsible parties. The case was brought before the MACT, where member K P Shrikhande presided over the proceedings.
Key Arguments and Tribunal's Ruling
During the tribunal hearings, the private insurance company involved in the case raised a defence, alleging that Suhas Rawool did not possess a valid driving licence at the time of the accident. However, the tribunal dismissed this argument, emphasizing that the primary cause of the accident was the rash and negligent driving by the car driver from Glamour Tours & Travels.
In its ruling, the MACT held both the tour operator, who owned the vehicle, and the insurance company jointly liable for the compensation. The tribunal noted that the accident was a direct result of the driver's failure to adhere to traffic rules, specifically by driving on the wrong side of the road, which led to the fatal collision.
Implications of the Compensation Award
The award of Rs 1.4 crore in compensation serves as a critical reminder of the legal consequences of negligent driving and the importance of road safety. This ruling not only provides financial support to Rawool's family but also sets a precedent for similar cases, highlighting the judiciary's role in upholding justice for victims of road accidents.
Families affected by such tragedies often face emotional and financial hardships, and this compensation aims to alleviate some of those burdens. The tribunal's decision to dismiss the insurance company's defence further reinforces the principle that negligence cannot be overshadowed by technicalities in such severe cases.
Conclusion
The Thane MACT's ruling in this case is a landmark decision that underscores the accountability of vehicle owners and insurers in road accident claims. By awarding substantial compensation to the family of Suhas Rawool, the tribunal has delivered justice and emphasized the need for responsible driving practices to prevent such incidents in the future.
