Thane MACT Awards ₹76.43 Lakh To Mother Of Deceased Software Engineer

A significant judgment has been passed by the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT) in Thane, awarding ₹76.43 lakh in compensation to the mother of a 27-year-old software engineer who lost his life in a road accident on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway. The accident took place on December 24, 2018, near Tembari village in Raigad district.

The deceased, Challapalli Lekhi Chaitanya, was driving on the expressway when a container travelling ahead suddenly applied brakes, causing Chaitanya's car to crash into the rear of the container. This resulted in the deaths of both Chaitanya and his co-passenger at the scene. The tribunal, led by MACT Member R.V. Mohite, held the container driver largely responsible for the collision but also attributed 15% contributory negligence to the deceased for failing to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead.

The tribunal's decision was based on the police investigation and chargesheet, which established negligence on the part of the container driver for braking suddenly without warning. However, it also noted that motorists are required to maintain a sufficient gap from vehicles ahead to avoid such collisions. The deceased's monthly salary was approximately ₹71,179, and the tribunal calculated the total compensation at ₹89.91 lakh. This amount was reduced to ₹76.43 lakh after accounting for his contributory negligence.

The tribunal directed The New India Assurance Company Ltd. to deposit the compensation along with 9% annual interest from the date the claim petition was filed. The insurer has been granted the liberty to recover the amount from the owner of the offending container, as the vehicle was found to be operating in violation of the insurance policy conditions. The container did not possess a valid permit and fitness certificate on the date of the accident, amounting to a breach of the insurance policy.

The judgment highlights the importance of maintaining safe distances while driving and the consequences of sudden braking without warning. It also underscores the need for vehicle owners to ensure their vehicles are operating in compliance with insurance policy conditions. The compensation awarded to the mother of the deceased software engineer provides some relief to the family, but it also serves as a reminder of the risks and responsibilities associated with driving on Indian roads.

In terms of impact, this judgment may set a precedent for similar cases in the future, where contributory negligence is a factor. It may also lead to increased awareness among drivers about the importance of maintaining safe distances and the potential consequences of sudden braking. For the family of the deceased, the compensation provides some financial relief, but it cannot replace the loss of a loved one. The judgment is a reminder of the need for continued efforts to improve road safety in India and to reduce the number of accidents on our roads.

The case is now closed, and the compensation will be paid to the mother of the deceased software engineer. The insurer will then pursue recovery of the amount from the owner of the offending container. This judgment serves as a reminder of the importance of road safety and the need for all drivers to exercise caution and follow traffic rules to avoid accidents.