Tatsat Chronicle Magazine

Solatium for Death in Hit-and-Run Cases Raised Eight Times

Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has enhanced compensation from ₹25,000 to ₹2,00,000 for death in such cases
February 28, 2022
hit and run
Picture used for representation purpose only. Photo Credit- Pxhere

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has notified a new scheme for compensation of victims of hit and run motor accidents vide notification dated February 25, 2022, to cater to enhanced compensation from ₹12,500 to ₹50,000 for grievous hurt and from ₹25,000 to ₹2,00,000 for death.

The process of applying for compensation and the release of payment to victims has also been made time-bound. The new scheme is from April 1, 2022.

On February 25, 2022, the ministry has also published the rules regarding the creation, operation, sources of funds, and others, of the Motor Vehicles Accident Fund. This fund shall be used for providing compensation in case of hit-and-run accidents, treatment for accident victims and any other purpose, as may be specified by the Centre.

In its notification, the ministry has said that the scheme may be called the Compensation to Victims of Hit and Run Motor Accidents Scheme, 2022 and will supersede the Solatium Scheme, 1989, and shall come into force with effect from April 1, 2022.

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, on August 2, 2021, had issued the Draft Scheme for Compensation to victims of Hit & Run Accidents, 2021.

Under the scheme, the ministry has come up with the procedure for detailed investigations of road accidents, Detailed Accident Report (DAR) and their reporting with the timelines for different stakeholders for quick settlements of claims.

The government will set up a Motor Vehicles Accident Fund, which will be used for providing compensation in case of hit and run accidents and treatment for accident victims, say reports.

In 2019, 536 persons were killed and 1,655 persons were injured in a hit and run accident in the national capital 2019, informed union road transport and highways minister Nitin Gadkari the Rajya Sabha last year.