Jugaad is a vehicle, owner must pay accident damages: HC

JAIPUR: Reversing an earlier order by the motor vehicle accident claims tribunal, the Rajasthan high court held that 'jugaad' is a motor vehicle and asked the owner of the vehicle to pay a compensation of Rs 4,94,512, with 6% interest from the date of filing the claim, to the family of an accident victim. 'Jugaad' was officially banned in the state since 2010 but is still a major mode of transport in the rural areas of Rajasthan.
The single bench of Justice Bhanwarilal Sharma gave the order following an appeal by victim Girdharilal's wife, Santara Devi, a resident of Sanwaloda Purohitan in Sikar, challenging the claims tribunal's order.
The tribunal had turned down the claim on the grounds that, "the 'jugaad' cannot be considered as a vehicle so it cannot decide on the matter". It said 'jugaad' is only a contraption used for agriculture purposes.

The petitioner said victim Girdharilal was returning to his village at Sanwaloda Purohitan from Badhadar village on January 29, 2005 in a 'jugaad' when it met with an accident at about 6pm.
According to other passengers, driver Subash was driving the vehicle recklessly. The vehicle met with an accident and turned turtle, trapping Girdharilal underneath it. He died on the spot after suffering grievous injuries.