India, April 24 -- In a strongly-worded judgment that raises concerns over fraudulent motor accident claims, the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT) in Pune has dismissed a plea for compensation filed by a widow, holding it to be a 'planted' claim involving manipulation of evidence and possible collusion with the police and the vehicle owner.

Delivering the order on April 17, 2026, MACT member H M Bhosale ruled, "The present claim is the outcome of mala fide intention on the part of the petitioner. She has planted this vehicle by joining hands with respondent number 1 and the police authorities."

The tribunal made it clear that while the death of the victim was real, the alleged involvement of the motorcycle cited in the claim was fab...