In a commendable display of efficiency, the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal in Pune swiftly resolved a compensation claim, ordering a payment of Rs 5 lakh to the grieving parents of a 25-year-old who tragically lost his life in a road accident. The tribunal’s member, Bhushan P Kshirsagar, orchestrated the resolution within an astonishingly brief period of three weeks, a rare occurrence in such legal proceedings.
The incident occurred on the evening of July 19, 2023, when a speeding four-wheeler collided with a motorcyclist near MRDE Gate, close to Pashan. The victim, identified as Rohan Dhanraj Gaikwad, succumbed to his injuries despite being rushed to Aundh District Hospital. Subsequently, a case was registered against the reckless driver at Chatushringi police station under pertinent sections of the Indian Penal Code.
Promptly following the tragedy, Rohan’s parents, Dhanraj (51) and Asha (51) of Ambedkarnagar in Chandanangar, Kharadi, sought justice through an application to the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal, Pune, on April 4, 2024. Their legal representatives, Omkar Rawde and Prachi Jog, passionately advocated for fair compensation.
The defendant, Ashwariya Fulawade, a software professional, lacked insurance coverage for her vehicle, adding a layer of complexity to the proceedings. The plaintiff’s counsel argued convincingly, citing Rohan’s promising career at Tata Trent Limited and the devastating impact of his untimely demise on his family’s financial stability.
In a bid to expedite the resolution, the defendant’s legal team, comprised of Amit Rathi and Avinash Pawar, proposed mediation, a move that was swiftly accepted by both parties. Under the guidance of additional chief judicial magistrate JS Bhatia, mediation ensued, leading to the agreement on a compensation amount of Rs 5 lakh.
The tribunal, presided over by Bhushan P Kshirsagar, officially sanctioned the settlement, with Rs 2 lakh disbursed immediately via cheques and the remainder scheduled for transfer via RTGS to the claimants’ account.
Reflecting on the outcome, Dhanraj Gaekwads expressed a mix of relief and grief, emphasizing that while no amount of compensation could fill the void left by their beloved son, the resolution served as a crucial lesson for reckless drivers. Gaekwads, who drives an autorickshaw for a living, shared poignant sentiments about his son’s aspirations to contribute to the family’s income, underscoring the human toll of road accidents beyond mere financial losses.
This case stands as a testament to the efficacy of the judicial system when guided by compassion and expedience in delivering justice to aggrieved parties.
