KD NEWS SERVICE
SRINAGAR, Jan 30: In a significant judgment highlighting perseverance and faith in the judicial system, the Motor Accidents Claims Tribunal (MACT), Srinagar, has awarded substantial compensation to the victims of a road traffic accident that occurred almost ten years ago. The relief came after sustained legal efforts and effective representation by young Jammu and Kashmir High Court advocate, Advocate Saleem Yousuf, who successfully pursued the case on behalf of the injured family.
According to sources, the accident took place on December 5, 2015, when a family from Sopore was travelling on the Srinagar–Baramulla National Highway. Near the Mirgund area, their vehicle met with a serious road traffic accident due to the negligence of an offending vehicle. The incident left several members of the family grievously injured, including three minor children, while one family member suffered permanent disability, altering the course of their lives forever.
In the aftermath of the accident, the family was pushed into prolonged medical treatment, mounting expenses and loss of livelihood. Seeking compensation and justice, the victims filed a claim petition before the Hon’ble Motor Accidents Claims Tribunal, Srinagar, on March 4, 2016, through their counsel, Advocate Saleem Yousuf.
The case remained under adjudication for several years, during which Advocate Yousuf meticulously pursued the matter, presented documentary evidence, and examined medical records to establish the severity of injuries and the long-term impact on the victims’ lives. Through consistent legal efforts, he successfully proved the negligence of the offending vehicle and firmly established the liability of the insurance company.
After carefully examining all material on record — including medical reports, treatment history, and the disability certificate of the injured petitioner — the Presiding Officer of the MACT, Srinagar, Shri Fayaz Ahmad Qureshi, delivered a well-reasoned and comprehensive 45-page judgment.
In his order, the Tribunal directed the respondent, HDFC ERGO General Insurance Company, to pay a total compensation of Rs 54,10,500 to the victims, along with applicable interest, and mandated that the amount be deposited within 30 days.
The judgment has been widely welcomed by the victims and residents of the area, who expressed satisfaction over the delivery of justice after a prolonged wait of nearly a decade. Locals termed the verdict as a reminder that perseverance and faith in the legal system can ultimately yield results, even after years of hardship.
The victims were represented by Advocate Saleem Yousuf, while the insurance company was defended by Advocate Tariq Malik.
The verdict stands as a significant example of judicial accountability and a ray of hope for accident victims awaiting justice across the region.
