The Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT) in Thane has awarded compensation of ₹20.9 million to a tailor woman and ₹7.7 million to a domestic helper for permanent disability suffered in the 2018 accident.
The seamstress suffered 80% permanent disability after paralyzing both lower limbs, but MACT put her functional disability at 50%, noting that current electric sewing machines can be operated using the hands and elbows.
MACT member RV Mohite, in two separate orders passed on February 12, ordered the insurer of the at-fault semi-trailer to pay the compensation amounts in the first instance and subsequently recover them from the vehicle owner for “willful breach” of the policy terms.
A copy of the orders was received on Monday (February 23, 2026).
The incident took place on April 24, 2018, when Ratna Vijay Bhagwat (44), a domestic helper, and Sayali Vijay Salunkhe (35), a tailor, were traveling in a luxury bus.
After reaching the bridge in Valsad district of neighboring Gujarat, the bus rammed into the back of a trailer parked on the first lane of the state highway without any signal, light or indication. Two bus drivers were killed and several passengers were seriously injured in the collision.
Mr Mohite noted that the accident was a case of “composite negligence”.
The trailer was carelessly parked on the highway so it was invisible to the bus driver. The trailer also lacked a valid certificate of fitness on the date of the accident, which constitutes a breach of the terms of the policy, the tribunal noted.
Mrs. Salunkhe suffered 80% permanent disability as both her lower limbs were paralyzed. MACT rated her functional disability at 50%, noting that modern electric sewing machines can be operated with the hands and elbows.
She was awarded ₹20,92,510 as compensation, including ₹1.5 lakh for future medical expenses.
Ms. Bhagwat suffered 51% permanent partial disability as a result of the lumbar injury. The tribunal assessed her functional disability at 30% and awarded her compensation of ₹7,75,653.
The tribunal ordered that the compensatory sums be paid with 9% interest per annum from the date of the petition. He also ordered that ₹2 lakh for Bhagwat and ₹3 lakh for Salunkhe be kept in fixed deposits.
Published – 23 Feb 2026 11:58 IST
