By IANS,
New Delhi: The Delhi High Court Monday directed the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT) and insurance companies to settle accident claims within 120 days of the incident.
Justice J.R. Midha also asked Delhi Police to inform the tribunal about accidents within 48 hours.
Atul Nanda, counsel for the central government, submitted that all 17 insurance companies had agreed to settle accident cases as per the Claims Tribunal Agreed Procedure.
“The insurance companies have taken a big step forward by agreeing to a new mechanism for payment of compensation … within a fixed time frame. The police should also show the grace to agree to perform an additional duty to serve the society,” the court said.
But the court said this was only a pilot project for six months. If the guidelines did not work, they could be changed.
Arun Mohan, senior advocate and member of a committee appointed by the court, said: “It is hoped the implementation of the Claims Tribunal Agreed Procedure will start a new era in road accident prevention, investigation and compensation.”