Court directs ₹10 lakh relief for man disabled in accident

Delhi court has recommended that a 35-year-old accident victim, who suffered permanent disability in the incident and had to be carried in a wheelchair by two people to a courtroom, be paid an interim compensation of ₹10 lakh.

After considering the plight of the victim, metropolitan magistrate Pankaj Sharma noted, Balwant Singh Negi, requires compensation for his survival as well as to support his family.

Through his counsel, Negi submitted before the court that he has become 72% disabled due to an accident that took place in March 2014. It has ruined his life and brought his family on the brink of begging, he said.

A high-speed motorcycle had hit Negi near a petrol pump in Vasant Kunj. The impact of the accident was such that Negi was unconscious at least for 15 days. He could not walk and his face was disfigured, Negi submitted before the court.

The driver and owner of the vehicle were arrested after an FIR was filed. Proceedings are going on against the accused in the court.

Negi, a resident of Sewa Nagar in south Delhi, told the court that he has no money to support his family consisting of his wife, two minor children and old parents as his entire savings have been spent on his treatment.

The court observed that there is no chance of an early improvement in Singh’s physical condition as his disability is reportedly permanent in nature.

“The vehicle involved in the accident was uninsured. No insurance claim is received by the victim. This court is of the considered view that at least ₹10 lakh in compensation be provided to him,” the judge said.

The court has recommended Delhi District Legal Services Authority (DDLSA) take up the matter on priority basis and provide the victim with compensation at the earliest.

A DDLSA official said that it has ordered the compensation of ₹10 lakh, which will be soon credited into the bank account of the victim.