Panchkula, Aug. 13 -- The Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT), Panchkula, has awarded compensation of Rs.39 lakh to the family of a 48-year-old man who died after a truck allegedly hit his scooter near the Gas Plant in Baddi in June 2025. The award was pronounced by tribunal presiding officer Sanjay Sandhir on August 11. The victim, Jai Shankar, was riding his scooter to work around 9.30 am on June 13, 2025, when a truck bearing registration number of Himachal Pradesh, allegedly being driven rashly and negligently by Tarsem Lal, hit his vehicle. Jai Shankar sustained grievous injuries and was initially taken to Civil Hospital, Baddi, before being referred to PGI, Chandigarh. He remained admitted for about a week and died on June 20. An FIR was registered at Baddi police station under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Motor Vehicles Act. Jai Shankar's wife and three daughters, all residents of Kalka, subsequently filed a claim petition seeking Rs.2 crore in compensation. The truck driver and owner disputed their involvement, while the insurance company raised objections regarding the driver's licence, vehicle documents and the victim's alleged failure to wear a helmet. The tribunal, however, relied on the police investigation, the final report and the testimony of an eyewitness, and held that the accident was caused by the rash and negligent driving of the truck driver. The tribunal noted that neither the driver nor the owner appeared as a witness to rebut the claim. The tribunal assessed Jai Shankar's monthly income at Rs.25,000 and calculated the loss of dependency at Rs.36.5 lakh. Including medical expenses, funeral and other permissible components and consortium, the total compensation came to Rs.39 lakh with interest at 7.5% per annum from the date of filing of the claim petition until payment. The insurer has been held jointly and severally liable along with the driver and owner....