PANAJI
Six years after losing their son in a fatal accident at Neura Piqueno, the 43-year-old’s elderly parents and his wife have received justice as the Motor Accidents Claims Tribunal awarded them compensation of Rs 75.55 lakh.
This amount surpasses the Rs 15 lakh initially claimed by the parents. The Tribunal directed the insurance company, the accused driver, and the car owner to pay the awarded sum.
The accident occurred on 9 October 2018, when a Swift car allegedly driven recklessly at high speed by Peter Gracias collided with Anand Naik’s Activa scooter, resulting in fatal injuries.
While seeking compensation, the grieving parents told the Court that Anand regularly sent money to his father, Gajanan, indicating he was the sole earning member of the family.
Although the claimants sought Rs 15 lakh, the Tribunal, led by Presiding Officer Sherin Paul, computed the compensation at Rs 75.55 lakh, considering Supreme Court judgments and including the deceased’s wife among the beneficiaries.
The total amount will have 6 percent interest per annum added from the petition’s filing date until full payment.
While allowing the petition with costs, the Court clarified that the claimants are entitled to 50 percent of the total compensation, with the remainder allocated to the deceased’s wife.
