Tribunal awards Rs 2.5 crore to injured Navy MARCOS commando

New Delhi: A Motor Accident Claims Tribunal has awarded Rs 1.6 crore as compensation to an Indian Navy MARCOS commando who suffered 88% permanent disability in a road accident. With interest, the total payout exceeds Rs 2.5 crore.

Presiding officer Abhilash Malhotra of Patiala House Courts held the driver responsible for rash and negligent driving, observing that the accident had permanently altered the life of an elite soldier, affecting his physical abilities, career and future earnings.

“Given the nature of injuries and 88% permanent disability, he will not be able to pursue his dreams or swim again. Compensation cannot alleviate the pain caused by the disability and the loss of one’s passion,” the tribunal said.

The case relates to a Dec 25, 2018, accident when Lakhpat Singh, a MARCOS commando, was travelling from INS Karna, Bheemunipatnam, towards Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh. A Swift car, allegedly driven at high speed in a rash manner, hit his motorcycle from behind, causing serious injuries. An FIR was registered and a chargesheet was filed under Sections 337 and 338 IPC. The tribunal also drew an adverse inference as the driver did not testify.

The court noted Singh suffered 88% permanent disability affecting his pelvis and right side, including his upper and lower limbs, leaving him with visible disfigurement and severely restricted mobility.

Before the accident, Singh served as a Marine Commando and underwater diver in the Indian Navy. He is now medically unfit for such duties.

The tribunal said his career has been cut short, forcing retirement at 35 instead of 57. Now limited to a desk role and dependent on assistance, he faces long-term physical and emotional challenges.