Delhi tribunal awards ₹32.74 lakh to family of Sonia Vihar biker killed in 2023 crash

Mukesh Kumar was riding home through Sonia Vihar on the night of January 19, 2023 when a Tata truck allegedly hit his motorcycle from behind. The 49-year-old suffered severe injuries and was declared brought dead at GTB Hospital.

On August 5, Delhi’s Motor Accident Claims Tribunal awarded ₹32.74 lakh in compensation to Kumar’s wife, two sons, two daughters and mother. The tribunal directed SBI General Insurance Company to pay the amount with 9% annual interest within 30 days.

Kumar ran a small hotel business, and his family had said he earned about ₹45,000 a month. With no documentary proof of income, the tribunal calculated the award using Delhi’s minimum wages for a skilled worker.

The truck driver and owner disputed negligence and the vehicle’s involvement, while the insurer argued that Kumar had been under the influence of alcohol and was responsible for the crash. The tribunal relied on an eyewitness account, finding that the respondents had not rebutted it or produced evidence supporting their defence. It held the driver guilty of “gross neglect and default” leading to Kumar’s death.