MACT can grant higher compensation
The Motor Accident Claim Tribunal (MACT) has power to award higher compensation than what is claimed by the claimant, if the claimant is eligible for more than what was originally claimed, says the SC in Mona Baghel & Others v Sajjan Singh Yadav & Others.
The SC reiterated this dictum in Meena Devi v Nunu Chand Mahto [(2023) 1 SCC 204] and Hare Krushna Mahanta v Himadari Sahu & Another [ 2025 INSC 165].
Court should ensure just fair & reasonable compensation
The court adds that the role of the Tribunal or Court, under Section 168 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, is to provide just compensation. Therefore, there is no limit preventing the court from awarding compensation greater than the amount claimed by the claimant.
In conclusion
In short, there is no limitation on the court awarding compensation exceeding the claimed amount based on the evidence presented, regardless of the claimed amount, to make the compensation just, fair and reasonable.
References
- Mona Baghel & Others v Sajjan Singh Yadav & Others
- Meena Devi v Nunu Chand Mahto [(2023) 1 SCC 204]
- Hare Krushna Mahanta v Himadari Sahu & Another [2025 INSC 165]
