The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) has secured compensation of Rs 11,500 with 9% interest from the date of filing in a motor accident claim that spanned over 14 years and exactly 150 court dates, according to official case records. The award was passed by a Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT) in Baramati on April 21.
Details of the Compensation
The tribunal allowed Rs 703 towards spare parts, Rs 56 towards overhead charges, and Rs 10,681.72 towards loss of earnings during the period the bus remained off-road, rounding off the total to Rs 11,500. The claim was filed on November 11, 2011, and arose from damage caused to an MSRTC bus in a 2007 accident. The MSRTC had initially sought Rs 77,320.72 towards repair costs and operational losses.
Tribunal's Findings
In its order dated April 21, 2026, the tribunal held that the accident occurred due to rash and negligent driving of the truck driver. The insurer's defense attributing negligence to the bus driver was not supported by evidence. The tribunal noted that the long delay in the case was due to multiple adjournments and the insurer's failure to produce witnesses.
This case highlights the challenges faced by public transport corporations in recovering losses from accidents, often involving protracted legal battles. The MSRTC has been pursuing such claims to mitigate financial losses from damaged vehicles and operational disruptions.
