Bihar’s First Motor Accident Tribunal Established in Darbhanga Division

Patna: Darbhanga divisional commissioner, Manish Kumar, has taken a significant step in response to a recent notification from Transport Department, forming Bihar’s first Motor Accident Tribunal for Darbhanga Division. This marks the initiation of the first tribunal among the seven slated for establishment in the state.

Speaking on the matter, Secretary of Darbhanga Division, Regional Transport Authority, Rajesh Kumar, highlighted that Darbhanga Division, founded on October 30, 1977, is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. “In commemoration of this milestone, the first Motor Accident Tribunal in Bihar has been constituted to expedite compensation claims for individuals and families affected by road accidents in Darbhanga division,” he said.

“Under the direction of the Darbhanga divisional Commissioner, the Bihar Motor Claims Tribunal has been set in motion, operating from two rooms on the ground floor of the main building of the Commissioner’s Office. A sufficient number of employees and data entry operators have been deployed to ensure the tribunal’s efficient functioning. Nisha Raj, the Additional District Transport Officer, appointed as the Secretary of the Tribunal, has played a crucial role in its establishment,” Rajesh said.

The State Transport Department had issued a notification on October 20, outlining the formation of seven tribunals, including one in Darbhanga Division, as per sub-section 03 of Section 165 of the Motor Vehicles Act-1988.

The tribunal will conduct hearings to provide Rs 2 lakh in compensation to the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for the treatment of the injured in hit-and-run road accidents. Notably, cases involving unidentified vehicles fleeing the scene have been categorized under the hit-and-run designation.