The Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT) in Chandigarh has directed an insurance company to pay Rs 18,26,600 as compensation to the father and sister of a Mohali resident who died in a road accident. The tribunal also ordered interest at nine per cent per annum on the compensation amount.
The victim, Deepak, was a resident of Mubarakpur in SAS Nagar, Mohali. His father, Prem Chand, filed the claim petition under Section 166 of the Motor Vehicles Act, seeking compensation for his son's death.
What Happened in the Fatal Accident
According to the claim petition, the accident took place on December 12, 2020. Deepak was travelling as a pillion rider on a motorcycle from Chota Trilokpur village to Saidpur village in Panchkula district.
When the motorcycle reached near Gurudwara Nanak Tabrakan, another vehicle allegedly approached at high speed and hit their motorcycle. The motorcycle fell after the collision, leaving Deepak fatally injured.
Who Gets the Compensation
The tribunal's order directs the insurance company to pay the compensation amount to two people — Prem Chand, the father of the deceased, and Deepak's sister. The payment comes with interest at nine per cent per annum.
- Compensation amount: Rs 18,26,600
- Interest: 9% per annum
- Claim filed under: Section 166 of the Motor Vehicles Act
- Claimant: Prem Chand, father of the deceased
- Accident date: December 12, 2020
Our Take: Why This Order Matters
In our view, this case shows how long families often have to wait for justice after losing a loved one in a road accident. The accident happened six years ago, and the family has only now received a compensation order. That is a long time to fight for what is rightfully owed to them.
To put it plainly, the Rs 18.26 lakh compensation and the nine per cent interest are meant to help the family cope with the financial loss of losing a son and brother. The interest rate is important here — it ensures the insurance company cannot delay payment without consequences.
The case also highlights a common problem on Indian roads: pillion riders are just as vulnerable as drivers. Deepak was not driving the motorcycle. He was simply riding on the back when another vehicle hit them. This is a reminder that road safety is not just about the person behind the wheel — it is about everyone on the road.
For families who find themselves in similar situations, this order sends a clear message. Filing a claim under the Motor Vehicles Act is the right step, even though the process can take years. The tribunal system exists to make sure victims and their families are not left without support.
What readers should take away from this news is simple. If you or someone you know is involved in a road accident, know that the law provides a path to compensation. It may be slow, but it works. And for insurance companies, the message is equally clear — delaying fair payment only adds to the cost.