The Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT) in Thane has awarded compensation of ₹24.49 lakh to the family of a businessman who died in a road accident in 2015. Tribunal member R. V. Mohite passed the order on February 25, with a copy of the judgement made available on Wednesday. The tribunal directed that the compensation be paid to the victim’s legal heirs in accordance with established principles governing motor accident claims.

The case relates to the death of Ramadhar Girija Sharma, then 47, who was killed on June 21, 2015, after being hit by a Maruti car in the Bhayandar (East) area on the outskirts of Mumbai. Following the incident, police registered a case against the driver under relevant provisions of the Indian Penal Code and the Motor Vehicles Act. The matter subsequently came up before the tribunal for adjudication of compensation.

After examining the evidence on record, the tribunal held that the accident occurred due to the “rash and sole negligent driving” of the car driver. The finding fixed liability on the driver, establishing that the fatal collision resulted from negligent conduct rather than contributory factors. This determination formed the basis for awarding damages to the deceased’s family.

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In calculating the compensation amount, the tribunal relied on Sharma’s income tax returns, which indicated that he earned an annual income of ₹2.18 lakh from his business trading in Ayurvedic medicines. Applying the multiplier method commonly used in motor accident cases and adding 25 per cent towards future prospects, the tribunal arrived at a total compensation figure of ₹24.49 lakh.

The tribunal further directed that the awarded amount carry interest at the rate of 9 per cent per annum from the date of filing the petition until full realisation. The driver and owner of the offending vehicle have been held jointly and severally liable to pay the compensation within one month from the date of the order.

The ruling underscores the legal framework designed to provide financial relief to families affected by fatal road accidents. By assessing income records and applying established judicial formulas, the tribunal sought to ensure fair recompense for the loss of earning capacity and support suffered by the deceased’s dependents.

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