A Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT) has awarded over Rs 12 lakh compensation to the family members of a 16-year-old boy who was killed after being run over by a tractor here.
The tribunal directed Bharati Axa General Insurance Company, insurer of the offending vehicle, to pay Rs 12,13,272 to the parents of minor boy Zuman, who worked as a helper on the tractor which was used for cleaning sewage line and was run over by it due to the "negligence" of the driver in 2012.
"The rash and negligent driving of the offending vehicle has been duly proved," said MACT Presiding Officer Mohinder Virat, while relying on the testimony of the minor's parents and an eyewitness.
"All respondents (driver, owner and insurer of the tractor) are held jointly liable to pay the awarded amount. However, since the vehicle was insured by Respondent 3(Bharati Axa General Insurance Company), therefore, it shall pay the awarded amount," the tribunal said.
The petition was filed by Zuman's parents and minor siblings who had contended that on January 10, 2012, Zuman was climbing on the tractor near Samalkha in South-West Delhi for cleaning a sewage line and the driver started the tractor which jolted Zuman.
Due to the impact, Zuman fell on the ground, the parents said, adding, that before he could get up, the tractor's left tyre ran over his stomach.
Zuman's father, who was nearby at a tea-stall, rushed him to Safdarjung Hospital where he was declared brought dead by the doctors, the petition said.
The driver of the tractor, Kuldeep, through a written statement had claimed that there was no negligence on his part but failed to show up before the tribunal to prove his innocence.
The insurance company also opposed the petition for compensation, saying it was not informed about the accident by the owner of the tractor and that it was a clear violation of the Motor Vehicle Act.
