A Delhi Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT) has awarded ₹2.72 crore as compensation to a 19-year-old man who was left paralysed after a road accident in 2023. The tribunal, presided over by Ruchika Singla, ruled that the accident occurred due to rash and negligent driving by the offending vehicle. The order, passed on April 4, came after evaluating evidence on the principle of “preponderance of probabilities", concluding that the driver was responsible for the crash. The claim petition had been filed by Khushwant Kapoor against the driver Harish Madan, the vehicle owner and the insurer.
Victim suffered permanent disability after crash
The incident took place in the early hours of April 26, 2023, near Vikas Marg at IP Estate in Delhi. Kapoor was riding his motorcycle home when a taxi hit him with considerable force, leaving him with severe injuries. He was rushed to Lok Nayak Hospital, where he received emergency medical care. Documents submitted before the tribunal, including a medicolegal case report and a disability certificate, confirmed that Kapoor suffered 100% permanent neurological disability. At the time of the accident, he was working in the operations team of a BPO. The tribunal noted that the injuries have rendered him completely incapable of working, significantly impacting his prospects and quality of life.
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Compensation includes lifelong care and dependency costs
While calculating the compensation, the tribunal considered Kapoor’s young age, total loss of earning capacity and need for lifelong assistance. A major portion, ₹90.3 lakh, was allocated towards attendant charges, reflecting the requirement for round-the-clock care due to his bedridden condition. The tribunal rejected claims of false implication by the defence, stating there was no prior enmity between the parties and no reason for such allegations.
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It also drew an adverse inference against the driver and owner for failing to present evidence in their defence. Since the vehicle was insured, the tribunal directed IFFCO Tokio General Insurance Company Limited to deposit the awarded amount along with interest. The ruling highlights the judiciary’s focus on ensuring fair compensation for victims facing permanent disability and lifelong hardship.
