Thane MACT Awards ₹5.17 Lakh To Agriculturist Injured In Collision With ST Bus, Rejects MSRTC’s Negligence Claim

On September 9, 2026, the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT) in Thane awarded a total of Rs 5.17 lakh in compensation to Ananta Mahadu Vishe, a 44-year-old agriculturist who suffered permanent disability after being involved in a collision with an MSRTC bus in October 2019. The tribunal ruled that the accident was caused solely by the negligent driving of the bus driver and rejected the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation's claim of the motorcyclist's contributory negligence.

Vishe, along with pillion rider Shripat Bhau Ubale, was riding his motorcycle when an ST bus allegedly came from the opposite direction while overtaking a tempo. The bus reportedly crossed onto the wrong side of the road and collided with Vishe's motorcycle. Both riders sustained serious injuries, with Vishe later taken to Meera Hospital, Kalyan, and subsequently shifted to SMBT Hospital, Nashik.

He was advised six months of rest due to swelling and pain in his face and difficulty in opening his mouth. Unfortunately, Ubale passed away from his injuries the following day.

The police registered a case against the ST bus driver under stringent sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Motor Vehicles Act, subsequently filing a chargesheet. However, the MSRTC denied any negligence and claimed that the motorcycle was traveling at high speed without lights or signals, attributing 50% contributory negligence to Vishe.

Despite the MSRTC's stance, the tribunal noted that the bus driver had not filed any complaint against the motorcyclist and had not challenged the chargesheet. Based on this, the tribunal held that Vishe had proven the accident was caused by the bus driver's rash and negligent driving.