A young man from Vasai, who lost his leg in a horrifying bus accident in 2022, has finally received a sense of closure and justice. The Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT) in Mumbai has awarded him a compensation of ₹83 lakh. The tribunal, in its recent ruling, also granted compensation to four others who were seriously injured in the same accident.

The decision was delivered by MACT member S.B. Munde on May 8, 2025, bringing some long-awaited relief to 34-year-old Abhijit Pratap Pujare. A former Assistant Manager at Bulklogix Shipping Pvt. Ltd., Abhijit’s life changed drastically after the tragic crash that left him permanently disabled.

The Day That Changed Everything

It was the morning of January 21, 2022, when Abhijit boarded a Tata motor bus (MH-03-CP-3715), operated by R.N. Cabs Pvt. Ltd. The bus was en route to the Solapur Highway. However, as it approached Indapur in Pune district, things went terribly wrong.

According to the case file, the driver was speeding and driving recklessly when he lost control of the vehicle. The bus veered off its path and crashed into a roadside divider before overturning. What followed was chaos and unimaginable pain for the passengers inside.

Abhijit, who was among those seated inside, suffered multiple critical injuries. The most devastating of all was the amputation of his right leg above the knee. In addition to that, he sustained severe injuries to both hands, a head injury, multiple facial wounds, and fractures.

A Long Road to Recovery

Abhijit was first rushed to a local hospital in Indapur. Given the seriousness of his injuries, he was later shifted to Wockhardt Hospital in Mira Road. He underwent several surgeries during his stay and was eventually discharged on February 10, 2022. But even after being released, recovery was not just physical – it was emotional and financial as well.

A promising career was cut short, and Abhijit was left to navigate life with a permanent disability. He had to rely on assistive devices and was no longer able to continue in his previous professional role.

Legal Battle Begins

In February 2022, Abhijit, along with four other injured passengers, filed claims under Section 166 of the Motor Vehicles Act. They sought compensation for the pain, loss of income, and medical costs resulting from the accident.

However, what followed was a challenging legal battle. The bus was insured by United India Insurance Co. Ltd., but the insurance company argued that the policy in question was a “laid-up” policy. This kind of policy, typically chosen during times when a vehicle is off-road (as during the COVID-19 lockdowns), does not permit passenger travel.

Based on this, the insurance company attempted to avoid paying compensation, claiming the policy terms were violated.

Tribunal’s Ruling

The tribunal, however, did not accept this argument. After carefully reviewing the details of the case, it observed that the policy had in fact been extended by the insurer up to June 5, 2022. This was done after the insurance company had accepted a laid-up premium during the pandemic period.

It also noted that there was no concrete evidence provided by the insurer to prove a breach of policy conditions. As such, the tribunal concluded that both the owner of the bus and the insurance company were jointly and severally liable to pay compensation.

The Compensation Breakdown

Among the five injured, Abhijit Pujare received the highest compensation of ₹83 lakh due to the severity of his injuries, permanent disability, and loss of income.

Here is a breakdown of the compensation amounts awarded to the other claimants:

  • Santosh Gaikwad (35): A resident of Uran, he was awarded ₹18 lakh for the injuries and damages he sustained in the same accident.
  • Vishal Gaikwad (32): Also from Uran, he received ₹9.79 lakh.
  • Jyoti Vishal Gaikwad (31): Another resident of Uran and a fellow passenger, she was awarded ₹73,666 for the injuries she sustained.
  • Taufiq Jidge (27): A resident of Govandi, Mumbai, he was granted ₹81 lakh. Taufiq had also suffered a life-changing injury, as he lost one of his arms above the elbow.

The court took into account the extent of the injuries, long-term disability, loss of earnings, age of the victims, and medical expenses before deciding the compensation amounts.

A Life Altered, but Not Broken

The compensation may help ease the financial burden on Abhijit and the other victims, but the emotional and physical scars remain. For Abhijit, the accident not only robbed him of a limb but also of a lifestyle, a career, and a sense of normalcy. It is a reminder of how a moment of negligence on the road can change lives forever.

While the court’s decision offers a degree of solace, it also serves as a strong message to all stakeholders: drivers, vehicle owners, and insurance companies – about the importance of responsibility, safety, and accountability.

Looking Ahead

Accidents like this underline the need for stricter checks on transport companies and better enforcement of road safety rules. Vehicles running under laid-up insurance policies must not be allowed to carry passengers. At the same time, insurance firms must clearly communicate coverage details and ensure fair investigation and payout when lives are affected.

For Abhijit and others injured in that ill-fated journey, the road to healing is still ongoing. But thanks to the MACT’s ruling, they now have a chance to rebuild their lives with some financial support. It’s not just a compensation; it’s recognition of the pain and hardship they’ve endured—and a small step towards justice.