Chandigarh tribunal awards Rs 15 lakh compensation to family of deceased woman

The Motor Accident Claims Tribunal in Chandigarh has directed the insurance company, driver, and owner of a car to pay Rs 15,36,000 as compensation to the son and two daughters of Shobha Rani, who died in an accident three years ago.

Munish Handa, a resident of Sector 5, Panchkula, filed a claim petition under Section 166 of the Motor Vehicles Act. He stated that on February 13, 2021, his mother, Shobha Rani, was traveling with family members to meet her brother-in-law in Faridabad. While standing on the ramp of their WagonR car, another car hit her at high speed. The driver was intoxicated and driving negligently.

Shobha Rani suffered multiple injuries and was taken to a private hospital in Faridabad, where she received first aid. She was later referred to another hospital, where she passed away during treatment.

Shobha Rani, 71, was a retired Restorer from the Punjab and Haryana High Court, receiving a monthly pension of Rs 12,997 and a family pension of Rs 10,674 after her husband's death. The claimant sought compensation of Rs 50,00,000 with 18% interest.

The driver denied the allegations, claiming no accident occurred. However, the tribunal ruled in favor of the claimant, stating that the driver, owner, and insurance company are jointly liable to pay Rs 15,36,000 as compensation.