Fatal crash near Badi Har in 2021
TNR News Network
Dharamshala: In a significant ruling, the Kangra District and Sessions Judge at Dharamshala, Chirag Bhanu Singh, has ordered a compensation of Rs 2.5 crore to the family of late Lieutenant Colonel (Retd.) Vinay Sharma, who d*ied in a road accident in 2021. The order was passed in the case titled Nancy Vinay vs. Chaman Lal.
According to case details, the accident took place on March 26, 2021, when Vinay Sharma was returning home from Kangra in his car. As he approached Badi Har, a truck driven by Chaman Lal allegedly came from the opposite direction at high speed and collided head-on with his vehicle. Sharma sustained fatal injuries and died on the spot.
Vinay Sharma had retired from the Indian Army in 2020 with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. At the time of his death, he was working as a Senior Manager (Map Maker) at Amazon Development Centre, Hyderabad. His monthly income was stated to be ₹5,22,482, in addition to a pension of Rs 1,05,280 per month.
Insurance firm directed to pay within one month
The court directed the insurance company (Respondent No. 3) to pay the total compensation amount of Rs 2.5 crore within one month, along with 7.5% annual interest from the date of filing the petition. Any interim compensation already disbursed will be adjusted against the final amount, the court said.
The compensation has been divided among Petitioner No. 1 (wife, Nancy), Rs 1 crore; petitioner No. 2 (son) Rs 1 crore and proforma respondent No. 4 (other legal heir), Rs 50 lakh.
Court emphasises timely compliance
Judge Chirag Bhanu Singh directed the insurance company to ensure compliance within one month, stressing that the family of the deceased should not face further hardship.
The judgment brings closure to the long-drawn compensation case and serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences of reckless driving.
