NEW INDIA ASSURANCE CO. LTD Vs. BINA SAIKIA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Heard Mr. Pfosekho, learned counsel for the applicant as well as Mr. Imtiwapang, learned counsel for respondent Nos.1 to 4 and Ms. Arepla, learned counsel for respondent No.5.

(2.) This application is an illustration of a classic case of how a public statutory body, primarily tasked to provide benefits to victims of accidents or their relative can be so mechanical and pedantic in their approach to human sufferings. It also indicates utter and indifferent attitude of the officials in dealing with human tragedies bordering to callousness. It indicates how beneficial schemes can get stuck in a maze of procedures delaying benefits to the victims of accident and their relatives. This is also an example how people can lose faith in the legal system for the delay occasioned.

(3.) An accident occurred on 16.06.2015, in which a bystander on a road side was knocked down by a speeding vehicle who ultimately succumbed to his injuries after undergoing treatment in the hospital. On an action brought for payment of compensation under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, before the Motor Accidents Claims Tribunal, Kohima an award was made on 11.07.2017 for payment of Rs.13,44,000/- (Rupees thirteen lakh forty four thousand only) along with interest, to be paid by the Insurance Company, applicant herein to the dependants of the deceased.