Tribunal's Involvement in Counsel Dispute Criticized; Presiding Officer Directed to Clarify Actions
In a significant directive, the Allahabad High Court has ordered the Presiding Officer of the Motor Accident Claim Tribunal (M.A.C.T) in Sultanpur to provide an explanation for the prolonged delay in the disbursement of compensation awarded in a motor accident claim. This follows a petition filed by Renoo Singh, whose husband tragically died in a motor accident, resulting in a compensation award of Rs.7,12,000 along with interest, sanctioned by the tribunal on September 29, 2007.
The issue gained prominence after the case was resolved in a Lok Adalat on September 14, 2019, where the Insurance Company withdrew its appeal, mandating payment of the compensation within 60 days. Disturbingly, more than six years have passed since this order, yet the compensation remains unpaid.
The court criticized the tribunal's involvement in the ongoing dispute between the petitioner's counsels, which has unjustly obstructed the compensation process. Justice Jaspreet Singh emphasized that the tribunal's interference in the counsel dispute was unwarranted and questioned under what authority the Presiding Officer could pass an order preventing the withdrawal of the compensation without consulting the petitioner's former counsel.
The High Court has called upon Sri. Vijay Dixit, a regular counsel for the High Court, to communicate the court's order to the concerned Presiding Officer. Additionally, it has directed the Presiding Officer to explain the rationale behind the order dated February 6, 2026, and to clarify why the compensation has not been released, despite clear instructions from the High Court in the Lok Adalat order.
The matter has been listed for hearing on April 10, 2026, as fresh, and the court expects a detailed explanation from the tribunal by then. The case underscores the critical importance of adhering to judicial directions and ensuring that procedural disputes do not hinder the rightful claims of petitioners.
Bottom Line:
Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 - Delay in disbursement of compensation awarded in a motor accident claim - Presiding Officer directed to explain circumstances of non-release of amount despite clear direction from the High Court - Infighting between counsels cannot obstruct the rights of the petitioner to receive compensation.
Statutory provision(s): Motor Vehicles Act, 1988
