A devastating road accident in Delhi’s Dhaula Kuan area on Saturday claimed the life of Navjot Singh, a Deputy Secretary in the Ministry of Finance. His wife sustained severe injuries and is currently hospitalized. The couple was en route home from the Bangla Sahib Gurudwara on a motorcycle when their vehicle was hit by a car near Metro Pillar Number 57.
The BMW was reportedly driven by a woman, accompanied by her husband. The motorcycle first collided with a divider and then a bus after the initial impact. Both Navjot Singh and his wife were thrown onto the road. The couple in the car arranged for a cab to transport the injured individuals to a hospital, located 22 kilometers away. Tragically, doctors were unable to save Navjot Singh. His wife remains in critical condition.
In the aftermath of such incidents, the legal recourse for the victim’s family lies in filing a claim with the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT). There is no cap on the compensation amount awarded by the tribunal; the insurance company is then responsible for the payment. The Ministry of Finance has also issued specific guidelines concerning these claims.
The process of filing a claim begins with lodging an FIR with the police, documenting the incident. Supporting evidence is crucial, including the FIR, the deceased’s death certificate, proof of age, and documentation verifying the family’s dependency on the deceased’s income. The application, along with all supporting documents, must be submitted to the MACT in the jurisdiction where the accident occurred. The tribunal assesses the evidence and determines the compensation amount, which the insurance company is then obligated to pay.
Under the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988, there’s no upper limit to the compensation awarded for fatalities or serious injuries in third-party claims. The family is not required to demonstrate that the accident was the fault of the vehicle owner. The occurrence of the accident itself and the resulting injury or death are sufficient grounds for compensation. The insurance company insuring the vehicle involved in the collision bears the responsibility of providing the compensation. The amount is decided by the tribunal.
However, if the accident was due to the driver’s negligence, driving under the influence, or intentional misconduct, compensation may not be awarded. Prompt notification to the insurance company is critical. In essence, families may be eligible for unlimited compensation under third-party insurance, contingent upon timely filing of the FIR, presentation of evidence, and submission of the application to the MACT.
The woman driving the car, Gaganpreet, has been apprehended by the police. Following her discharge from the hospital, where she also received treatment for injuries sustained in the accident, she was taken into custody. She faces charges under various sections of the BNS. She is accused of causing death by negligence, reckless driving, and tampering with evidence. Furthermore, after the accident, Gaganpreet chose to transport the injured individuals to a hospital 22 kilometers away, rather than a closer medical facility. Media reports suggest that the hospital is associated with someone known to Gaganpreet, leading the police to suspect potential manipulation of medical records. If the car has a valid insurance policy, it would not be affected. But if the court finds her guilty of all the charges, she might get a long sentence.
Navjot Singh, a resident of Hari Nagar, Delhi, held the position of Deputy Secretary in the North Block of the Ministry of Finance. His family has raised concerns regarding the decision to transport him to Newlife Hospital in GTB Nagar, located approximately 22 kilometers away, instead of a closer medical facility. Tragically, doctors declared him dead upon arrival. His wife continues to receive medical care.
The police have seized the BMW car and the crime and forensic teams are gathering evidence. According to the police, the driver and her husband, residents of Gurugram, were also injured. Investigations are ongoing, relying on CCTV footage and eyewitness testimonies. The police are awaiting the recovery of the couple before conducting interviews.