Mumbai: The Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT) directed the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) to pay Rs 29.64 lakh as compensation to the family of Jaiprakash Vartak, who was critically injured in a road accident involving a state transport bus in Mahim in August 2015.
The tribunal concluded that the accident was a direct result of rash and negligent driving by the MSRTC bus driver. The incident occurred when the bus driver attempted to overtake an auto-rickshaw and collided with Vartak’s motorcycle. Vartak sustained serious injuries and was hospitalised for an extended period. During his recovery, he filed a claim seeking Rs 20 lakh in compensation. Unfortunately, he passed away before the proceedings were completed.
MSRTC Claims Accident Caused By Vartak's Negligence
According to a Hindustan Times report, MSRTC contested the claim, stating that Vartak's own negligence had contributed to the accident. However, the tribunal dismissed this argument, highlighting that the official police investigation had clearly placed the blame on the bus driver’s reckless actions.
While the tribunal recognised the gravity of the injuries suffered by Vartak, it pointed out a key limitation in the claim: the legal team representing the family failed to provide concrete medical evidence linking his death directly to the accident-related injuries. “Though there is mention of RTA (road traffic accident) history in the medical records, the cause of death section does not explicitly state that the deceased died due to complications from those injuries,” the tribunal noted in its ruling, according to the report.
Details On The ₹29 Lakh Compensation
Because of this, the compensation did not include claims related to wrongful death. Instead, it was restricted to the medical expenses incurred during the treatment period and related financial losses. The tribunal awarded Rs 26.24 lakh for medical bills, Rs 3 lakh for loss of income during treatment and Rs 20,000 each towards special dietary needs and conveyance. The total compensation of Rs 29.64 lakh will be shared by Vartak’s surviving legal heirs, his 55-year-old wife and 30-year-old son.
