Record Compensation Payouts at Thane Lok Adalat: A Landmark Event

The National Lok Adalat in Thane awarded Rs 2.85 crore in a death claim, among its highest-ever compensations for a road accident case involving ONGC's Dhirendra Chandra Thakurdas Roy. Additional notable settlements included Rs 1.15 crore for an IT firm's HR head and a remote settlement for a pharmacy student.

The National Lok Adalat held in Thane on Saturday set a record by awarding Rs 2.85 crore in compensation for a death claim, one of the highest in its 25-year history. The compensation was awarded to the family of Dhirendra Chandra Thakurdas Roy, a general manager with ONGC, who died in a road accident in June 2022.

Roy, aged 59, was killed on June 19, 2022, when his vehicle was hit by a truck and subsequently collided with a state transport bus on the Panvel-Sion road. The cheque was presented to his widow, two daughters, and 86-year-old mother by District Judge SS Shinde and MACT Member SN Shah.

In addition, Rs 1.15 crore was awarded to the family of Mousami Mehendale, the HR head of an IT firm, who died in a road accident last year. Another key settlement was for a pharmacy student currently in London, reflecting the Lok Adalat's expanding reach and adaptability. Judge Shinde stressed the importance of amicable settlements, noting the effectiveness and expediency of the Lok Adalat in resolving high-value claims.

(With inputs from agencies.)