Meghalaya government issues notification on accident claims

SHILLONG, Aug 28: The State government on Tuesday issued a notification on accident claims.

As per to a statement issued by the Commissioner and Secretary to the Government of Meghalaya, Transport Department, this notification has been issued pending framing of the Rules by the State of Meghalaya. The notification states that no court shall release motor vehicles involved in an accident resulting in death or bodily injury or damage to property, when such vehicle is not covered by the policy of insurance against third party risks taken in the name of registered owner or when the registered owner fails to furnish copy of such insurance policy despite demand by investigating police officer, unless and until the registered owner furnishes sufficient security to the satisfaction of the court to pay compensation that may be awarded in a claim case arising out of such accident.

The notification also says that where the motor vehicle is not covered by a policy of insurance against third party risks, or when registered owner of the motor vehicle fails to furnish copy of such policy in circumstance mentioned in sub-rule (1), the motor vehicle shall be sold off in public auction by the magistrate having jurisdiction over the area where accident occurred, or expiry of (three) months of the vehicle being taken into possession by the investigating police officer, and proceeds thereof shall be deposited with the Claims Tribunal having jurisdiction over the area in question, within fifteen days for purpose of satisfying the compensation that may have been awarded, or may be awarded in a claim case arising out of such accident.