Thane: The Thane ‘s Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT) has directed the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport Undertaking (BEST) to pay Rs 16,44,265 as compensation to a 23-year-old woman who suffered grievous injuries in a 2018 road accident involving a BEST bus.
BEST Bus Found Rash and Speeding in 2018 Accident Causing Serious Injuries
As per the MACT’s order copy, the incident occurred on July 3, 2018, when Aishwarya Subhash Vanjare, then a 17-year-old student, was walking towards Sheth Anandilal Podar Junior College. At around 9:30 a.m., near Podar Signal in Santacruz (West), a BEST bus (MH-01-LA-6728) allegedly speeding and driven rashly struck her. The impact knocked her down, and the vehicle’s front wheel ran over her right thigh.
Victim Hospitalised for Nearly Two Months with Medical Expenses Over Rs 8 Lakh
Vanjare was first taken to V.N. Desai Hospital for initial treatment and later admitted to Nanavati Super Specialty Hospital, where she remained an inpatient for nearly two months. Medical expenses exceeded Rs 8 lakh, according to the petition filed under Section 166 of the Motor Vehicles Act.
BEST did not appear before the tribunal despite being served summons, leading to the case proceeding ex parte.
Tribunal Awards Rs 16.44 Lakh Compensation, Including Fixed Deposit for Future Security
In its verdict, MACT Member R.V. Mohite found the bus driver solely responsible for the accident and assessed Vanjare’s functional disability at 25%, despite a medical certificate indicating 48% permanent partial disability.
The tribunal awarded her compensation covering loss of income, medical bills, special diet, conveyance, pain and suffering, and attendant charges. The amount will accrue interest at 9% per annum from the date of the petition until payment.
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As per the order, Rs 5 lakh from the compensation will be invested in a fixed deposit for five years in Vanjare’s name, with the balance to be released directly to her.
