New Delhi, Aug 22 A Delhi Motor Accident Claims Tribunal has awarded a compensation of Rs 35.88 lakh to the family of a 13-year-old boy who died after being hit by a vehicle while riding his bicycle in the city's Begumpur area last year.
Presiding Officer Vikram was hearing the claim petition by the family of Ayush Sharma who lost his life after another vehicle hit his bicycle near his house on April 10, 2025, and held that the accident was caused by the rash and negligent driving of the vehicle's driver.
In an order dated August 19, the tribunal said, "The evidence which has come on record, it is held that the rashness and negligence on the part of driver of the offending vehicle was responsible not only for this accident, but also for everything that followed thereafter."
According to the case, the driver allegedly fled the spot after leaving the vehicle behind. Ayush was taken to Shree Aggarsain International Hospital, where he was declared brought dead. A post-mortem examination found that he died due to a head injury caused by blunt force impact.
The tribunal noted that the driver and vehicle owner denied involvement in the accident but did not lead any evidence to support their claim. It also observed that the involvement of the vehicle and driver was corroborated by the documentary evidence collected during the investigation.
While calculating the compensation, the tribunal assessed the notional monthly income of the minor at Rs 22,411, based on the minimum wages applicable to a skilled worker. It applied a multiplier of 18 and added 40 per cent towards future prospects.
The loss of dependency was calculated at Rs 33.88 lakh. The tribunal additionally awarded Rs 1.59 lakh towards loss of consortium and Rs 39,930 towards loss of estate and funeral expenses, taking the total compensation to Rs 35.88 lakh.
The tribunal directed the insurance company to pay the amount with interest at nine per cent per annum from April 16, 2025, till compliance. It said the interest would rise to 12 per cent per annum in case of delay.
The boy's mother was awarded Rs 30 lakh, while his father was awarded Rs 3 lakh and sister Rs 2.88 lakh. The insurer was directed to deposit the award amount within 30 days.
