IndiaCan a hit-and-run victim claim from the government fund?
Yes, a hit-and-run victim in India can claim compensation from the Solatium Fund under the Motor Vehicles Act, subject to conditions and a ₹2 lakh cap.
What the Law Says
The Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 — as amended in 2019 — establishes the Solatium Fund to provide immediate, no-fault compensation to victims of hit-and-run accidents when the肇事 vehicle cannot be identified or traced.
Under Section 161 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, the Central Government is required to constitute a Solatium Fund for paying compensation to victims of hit-and-run motor accidents.
The fund applies only where the identity of the vehicle or driver involved in the accident cannot be established — i.e., true 'hit-and-run' cases. It does not cover accidents where the vehicle or insurer is identifiable.
Compensation is payable to the victim (or their legal heirs in case of death) without requiring proof of fault or negligence — it is a statutory, ex-gratia payment.
The amount is fixed: ₹2,00,000 (two lakh rupees) in case of death, and ₹50,000 (fifty thousand rupees) in case of grievous hurt — as per the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019.
Statutory TextThe Central Government shall constitute a fund to be called the Solatium Fund for the purpose of providing compensation to the victims of hit and run motor accidents.
— Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, s. 161 — Solatium Fund
Statutory TextWhere, in a hit and run motor accident, the victim dies or sustains grievous hurt, the victim or his legal heir, as the case may be, shall be entitled to compensation from the Solatium Fund.
— Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, s. 161(1)
What to Do
File a First Information Report (FIR) with the local police immediately after the accident.
Submit Form I (for death) or Form II (for grievous injury) to the District Collector or designated authority within 30 days of the accident.
Attach supporting documents: FIR copy, medical certificate (for injury), death certificate (for fatality), identity proof, and bank account details.
The District Collector must decide on the claim within 30 days of receiving complete documents.
If rejected, appeal to the State Transport Authority within 60 days.
Sources
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European UnionNot legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.