Claims hinge on prompt filing, meticulous documentation

A recent Karnataka High Court ruling has underscored a crucial aspect of road accident compensation: even minor delays, missing documents, or gaps in evidence can cost victims their rightful claim.

- SANJEEV SINHA

In the case before the court, a 24-day delay in filing the complaint and the inability to establish the involvement of the offending vehicle led the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT) to reject the plea—a decision the High Court upheld.

The judgement highlights the importance of understanding how the MACT functions, why its procedures matter, and the steps accident victims must take to avoid losing compensation on technical grounds.

How the tribunal works

The MACT, established under Section 165 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, adjudicates compensation claims arising from motor vehicle accidents involving death, injury or third-party property damage.

“Unlike civil courts, it follows a faster, summary procedure.

Once an application is filed, the Tribunal conducts an enquiry under Section 168 and decides the claim based on this summary procedure,” says Manmeet Kaur, partner, Karanjawala & Co, a dispute resolution firm.

How to file a case in MACT