MSRTC to receive compensation in mishap case

Thane, Sep 10 (PTI) District Motor Accident ClaimsTribunal (MACT) has directed an insurance company and owner ofa tanker to pay nearly Rs 56,000 as compensation to state-runMaharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) fordamaging a bus in an accident in 2007. MACT member R S Patil (Bhosle) in a recent orderdirected the respondents–owner of the vehicle in question andthe insurance firm to make the payment along with interest toMSRTC. The state-run transporter in its claim told thetribunal that one of its buses, belonging to Nashik depot, washit by the tanker in April 2007 due to which it incurredlosses and hence, should be compensated. The mishap took palce on the Mumbai-Agra Highway inIgatpuri taluka when the tanker, being driven in a rashmanner, dashed the bus from the right side. The bus suffered excessive damage in the accident dueto which it was grounded for several days. Claimant’s petition stated that at the time ofaccident, the ST bus was earning Rs 748 per day and after theaccident it could not ply for eight days. They demanded a sumof nearly Rs 61,000 for money incurred on repair work and lossof business. The respondent, owner of the tanker–Shri Carriers didnot appear to contest the case. Hence, it was decided ex-parteagainst him. Apprearing for Oriental Insurance, its counselcontested the claim, saying the mishap occurred due to thesole negligence of MSRTC driver. "All documents (relating to repairs) are maintained bygovernment corporation during regular course of business. I donot find reason to disbelieve mentioned evidence of applicant.Hence, applicant has proved that the bus involved in accidentsustained damage of Rs 55,673 due to accident," the tribunalobserved. It, however, noted that loss of business will not becompensated as under relevant sections of M V Act, applicantis entitled for only damages to property and not for loss ofbusiness. PTI COR ARS SMJPTP