IndiaWhat is the role of the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal?
The Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT) is a special tribunal established under the Motor Vehicles Act to adjudicate claims for compensation arising from road accidents quickly and affordably.
What the Law Says
The Motor Accident Claims Tribunal is a statutory body created specifically to handle compensation claims arising from motor vehicle accidents. Its powers, composition, and jurisdiction are defined under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.
The Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 empowers State Governments to constitute one or more Motor Accident Claims Tribunals (MACTs) in a district or group of districts. Each MACT is presided over by a judicial officer not below the rank of a District Judge.
MACTs have exclusive jurisdiction to entertain and decide claims for compensation arising out of accidents involving motor vehicles. This includes claims by victims, legal heirs, or dependants — whether the accident was caused by negligence, rash driving, or even hit-and-run incidents.
The law mandates that claims must be filed within three months of the accident, though condonation of delay is possible if sufficient cause is shown. The Tribunal is required to dispose of claims as expeditiously as possible — ideally within six months from the date of filing.
Statutory TextThe State Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, constitute in such place or places as may be specified in the notification, one or more Motor Accident Claims Tribunals for such area or areas as may be specified therein.
— Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, s. 165 — Constitution of Motor Accident Claims Tribunal
Statutory TextA claim for compensation arising out of an accident involving a motor vehicle may be made— (a) by the person who has sustained the injury; (b) by the owner of the property damaged; (c) by the legal representative of the deceased, where death has resulted from the accident.
— Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, s. 166 — Applications for compensation
What to Do
File Form MACT-1 (or equivalent prescribed application) before the MACT having territorial jurisdiction over where the accident occurred or where the respondent resides.
Attach supporting documents: FIR, medical reports, death certificate (if applicable), income proof, dependency evidence, and vehicle insurance details.
Appear on the hearing date or engage a lawyer — no court fee is payable for filing claims under Section 166.
If dissatisfied with the award, appeal to the High Court within 90 days under Section 173.
Sources
Not 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.