MACT Awards Rs 1.80 Crore to Heirs of Couple Killed in 2018 Mumbai-Pune Expressway Crash

The accident occurred on December 23, 2018, when a Wagon R driven by Ankit Bhupindersingh Chugh rammed into the rear of a truck after the heavy vehicle applied its brakes. The car, carrying Chugh, his wife Sanjana and their two minor children, was dragged for more than a kilometre following the impact.

Chugh and Sanjana later died at a rural hospital in Panvel.

Tribunal apportions 70 per cent negligence to car driver

In its order dated October 29, MACT Member Gauri Kawdikar observed that drivers are responsible for maintaining a safe distance from vehicles travelling ahead of them.

The tribunal noted that a driver following another vehicle cannot automatically be held at fault if the vehicle in front suddenly applies its brakes. However, it also observed that maintaining a safe distance and controlling the car's speed could have enabled the driver to brake in time and avoid the collision.

The tribunal held Chugh to be "70 per cent contributorily negligent" and attributed "30 per cent liability" to the truck driver's rash and negligent driving.

Insurer directed to pay compensation first

During the proceedings, the insurance company argued that the truck's permit was valid only in Rajasthan and Gujarat and had not been extended to Maharashtra, where the accident took place.

The MACT ruled that the insurer must first satisfy the compensation award in favour of the claimants. It also granted the insurance company liberty to recover the exact amount from the truck owner subsequently.

Compensation assessed based on couple's income

While calculating the compensation, the tribunal considered the respective incomes of Sanjana Chugh, who worked at Samsidh Mount Litra Zee School, and Ankit Chugh, who was employed as a senior delivery specialist at Dell International Services.

The claimants were awarded a total compensation of Rs 1.80 crore. The amount includes Rs 92,53,500 for Sanjana's death and Rs 88,45,732 for Chugh's death.

The tribunal's order addresses the compensation payable to the heirs of the couple, while also determining the respective negligence of the car and truck drivers and the insurer's obligation to satisfy the award.