IndiaWhat is MACT and how do I file a claim?
MACT stands for Motor Accidents Claims Tribunal — a special court under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 that awards compensation to victims or families affected by road accidents. You file a claim by submitting Form MACT-1 (or written petition) with evidence to the local MACT within 6 months of the accident.
What the Law Says
The Motor Accidents Claims Tribunal (MACT) is established under Section 165 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 to provide speedy, inexpensive justice to road accident victims. Claims are filed under Section 166, which empowers any person aggrieved by an accident involving a motor vehicle to make an application for compensation.
MACTs are quasi-judicial bodies set up in every district (or group of districts) by State Governments. They function like civil courts but follow simplified procedures — no court fees, no strict rules of evidence, and priority disposal.
Any person who has suffered injury, or the legal heir of a deceased victim, or even the owner of damaged property can file a claim. The claim must be filed within 6 months of the accident — though late filings may be accepted if sufficient cause is shown.
Compensation awarded covers medical expenses, loss of income, pain and suffering, funeral costs, and loss of dependency. There is no upper limit, but minimum compensation for death is ₹50,000 (as per amended guidelines and judicial practice).
Statutory TextThe State Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, constitute in every district a Tribunal to be known as the Motor Accidents Claims Tribunal.
— Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, s. 165 — Constitution of Tribunal
Statutory TextAn application for compensation 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...
— Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, s. 166(1) — Persons entitled to make application
Statutory TextEvery application shall be made within six months of the occurrence of the accident.
— Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, s. 166(2) — Time limit for application
What to Do
Gather documents: FIR, medical reports, death certificate (if applicable), income proof, repair bills, witness details, and insurance papers.
Draft your claim using Form MACT-1 (available at MACT office or district court website) or write a plain petition stating facts, injuries/damages, and relief sought.
File the application before the MACT having jurisdiction — usually where the accident occurred or where the respondent resides.
Serve a copy of the application to the driver, owner, and insurer (within 30 days of filing, as required under Rule 5 of MACT Rules).
Attend hearings, submit evidence, and respond to counter-affidavits; the Tribunal usually decides within 6–12 months.
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.