A Motor Accidents Claims Tribunal (MACT) in Chennai has ordered compensation of Rs 30.69 lakh to the family of a 55-year-old woman who died after being hit by a luxury car owned by YouTuber Irrfan near Maraimalai Nagar in Chengalpattu district.
According to the case records, Padmavathi, a resident of Maraimalai Nagar, was walking near the municipal office around 8.30 pm on May 25, 2023, when a car coming from the opposite direction allegedly at high speed and in a negligent manner struck her. She died on the spot.
Her family approached the Chennai MACT seeking compensation. During the hearing before Judge A.P. Nasheer Ali, the insurance company argued that the victim attempted to cross the road negligently and that the driver did not have a valid driving licence at the time of the accident, seeking exemption from liability.
The tribunal rejected these claims, citing documents and the FIR to conclude that the driver’s negligence caused the accident and noting that no evidence was produced to prove the victim’s negligence. The tribunal held that the insurer cannot avoid paying compensation solely on the ground that the driver lacked a licence.
The order directed IndusInd General Insurance to pay the compensation within 30 days, and permitted the insurer to recover the amount later from the vehicle owner, Irrfan. The tribunal also noted that the deceased had worked in a private hospital and calculated compensation including future loss of income.
