Chandigarh, April 5: The Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT), Chandigarh, has directed an insurance company to pay Rs 92,56,800 in compensation to the family of an Army man who died in a road accident nearly four years ago.
The order came in response to a claim petition filed by Kavita Kaushal, a resident of Kangra district, who lost her husband, Sagan Kumar, in a tragic accident on June 5, 2021.
According to the petition, Sagan Kumar was travelling with other passengers to Jammu when the vehicle’s driver lost control, causing it to plunge into a 400-feet-deep gorge. The incident, which took place in Ramban district, claimed five lives, including Kumar’s.
The petition stated that the accident occurred due to rash and negligent driving. An FIR was registered at Ramban Police Station. The deceased is survived by his wife, two children and parents, all of whom were financially dependent on him. The family had sought a compensation of Rs 1.5 crore, with 12 per cent annual interest.
The vehicle owner failed to appear before the tribunal and was proceeded against ex parte. The insurance company contested the claim, but after hearing both sides, the Tribunal held the insurer liable.
MACT awarded compensation of Rs 92,56,800 to the claimants, with 9 per cent interest per annum from the date of the claim until its realisation.
