A Motor Accident Claims Tribunal has awarded Rs 1.6 crore in compensation to an Indian Navy MARCOS commando who was left with 88 percent permanent disability after a road accident. With interest added, the total amount payable has crossed Rs 2.5 crore, a TOI report stated. The tribunal held the driver of the offending vehicle responsible for rash and negligent driving, noting that the crash changed the course of the commando’s life, affecting his physical abilities, career prospects and future income.
Tribunal highlights lifelong impact
Presiding officer Abhilash Malhotra of Patiala House Courts observed that the injuries had taken away not only the soldier’s professional capabilities but also a passion that had defined his life.
“Given the nature of injuries and 88% permanent disability, he will not be able to pursue his dreams or swim again. Compensation cannot alleviate the pain caused by the disability and the loss of one’s passion,” the tribunal said.
The court noted that the disability affected the commando’s pelvis and the right side of his body, including both upper and lower limbs. It also recorded that he suffered visible disfigurement and severe restrictions in movement.
Accident dates back to 2018
The case arose from a road accident on December 25, 2018. Lakhpat Singh, a MARCOS commando, was travelling on a motorcycle from INS Karna in Bheemunipatnam towards Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh when a Swift car allegedly struck his bike from behind.
According to the tribunal, the car was being driven at a high speed and in a rash manner. The collision caused serious injuries to Singh.
Following the accident, police registered an FIR and later filed a chargesheet under Sections 337 and 338 of the Indian Penal Code. The tribunal also drew an adverse inference against the driver because he did not step into the witness box to testify.
Elite military career cut short
Before the accident, Singh served as a Marine Commando and underwater diver in the Indian Navy, performing physically demanding duties that required peak fitness.
The tribunal observed that he is now medically unfit to continue in those roles. It said the injuries have effectively ended a career that could have continued for decades.
According to the court, Singh now faces premature retirement at the age of 35 instead of serving until 57. Restricted to desk-based work and dependent on assistance for daily activities, he is expected to face long-term physical and emotional hardships.
Compensation beyond numbers
While awarding compensation, the tribunal underlined that financial relief could never fully compensate for the loss suffered by a highly trained soldier whose profession and passion revolved around physical endurance and underwater operations.
The order recognised not only the economic impact of the disability but also the personal cost of losing a career, independence and the ability to pursue activities that once defined his life.
