'Tribunal not a Platform for Lawyer’s Infighting': HC Summons MACT officer over years of Delay in Releasing Compensation

On Friday, in a significant procedural lapse concerning compensation under the Motor Vehicles Act, the Allahabad High Court stepped in to examine why a widow has been denied compensation for years despite clear directions for its release. The Court has highlighted a troubling situation where the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal allegedly stalled payment due to a dispute between the claimant’s lawyers, raising serious concerns over judicial overreach and delay in delivering statutory relief.

The controversy began when a widow, whose husband died in a road accident, was awarded compensation of ₹7.12 lakh by the Tribunal under the Motor Vehicles Act. Although the insurer’s appeal was later withdrawn in Lok Adalat proceedings with a direction to release the amount within a stipulated time, the payment remained pending for years. Counsel for the petitioner argued that despite a clear mandate, the Tribunal refused to release the amount, citing the need to hear the claimant’s former lawyer amid an ongoing dispute between counsel. This unusual stand effectively dragged the claimant into a procedural deadlock, depriving her of compensation long after it had been finalised.

Justice Jaspreet Singh questioned both the delay and the legal basis of its order. The Court noted, “it appears that Tribunal has got itself involved which cannot be countenanced at all.” The Bench further highlighted the impropriety of withholding compensation on account of counsel disputes, observing that such reasoning was “not acceptable” and lacked any statutory backing. Terming the situation as deeply concerning, the Court directed the Presiding Officer of the MACT, Sultanpur, to explain under what authority the order was passed and why the compensation remained unpaid despite clear directions.

Consequently, the Court has sought a detailed explanation and listed the matter for further hearing, listed for April 10.

Case Title: Renoo Singh Vs. Moter Accident Claim Tribunal Distt. Sultanpur and Anr

Case No.: Matters Under Article 227 No. - 1617 of 2026

Coram: Hon'ble Mr. Justice Jaspreet Singh

Advocate for the Petitioner: Adv. Vinod Kumar Singh, Adv. Nandu, Adv. Saurabh Upadhyay, Adv. Upasana Singh

Advocate for the Respondent: None

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