MACT stands for Motor Accident Claims Tribunal. It is a specialised quasi-judicial body established under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 to adjudicate claims for compensation arising from road accidents — including death, bodily injury, or damage to property caused by motor vehicles.
Before MACT was established, accident victims had to approach civil courts for compensation — a process that was slow, expensive, and technically complex. MACT was created specifically to provide a faster, specialised, and more accessible forum for accident victims and their families to receive “just” compensation without navigating the full civil court system.
How MACT Was Established
Section 165 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 empowers State Governments to constitute Motor Accident Claims Tribunals for any area. State governments specify the territorial jurisdiction of each tribunal, ensuring that accident victims across the country have access to a local MACT.
In metropolitan cities like Delhi, there are multiple MACT courts — eleven at Tis Hazari, four at Karkardooma, and three at Patiala House. These are presided over by judicial officers from the Delhi Higher Judicial Service, under the direct supervision of the High Court.
Who Can File a MACT Claim?
Under Section 166 of the MV Act, the following persons can file a claim petition before MACT:
- The person who sustained injury in the accident
- The owner of damaged property
- Any or all Legal Representatives (LRs) of a person who died in the accident
- A duly authorised agent of any of the above persons
The claim can be filed in the MACT having jurisdiction over:
- The area where the accident occurred
- The area where the claimant resides or carries on business
- The area where the defendant (vehicle owner/driver/insurer) resides
Documents Required for a MACT Petition
Filing a MACT claim requires assembling key documents:
- Copy of the FIR registered about the accident
- Post-mortem report (in fatal cases) or medical records (in injury cases)
- Disability certificate (for permanent disability claims)
- Income/salary proof of the deceased or injured
- Insurance policy details of the vehicle
- Registration certificate of the offending vehicle
- Driving licence of the driver
- Death certificate (in fatal cases)
Compensation Calculation — The Multiplier Method
The Supreme Court has standardised the calculation of MACT compensation, particularly in fatal accident cases, through the Multiplier Method:
Step 1: Determine the Monthly Income of the deceased (actual salary, business income, or notional minimum wage)
Step 2: Deduct 1/3 for personal expenses — the amount the deceased would have spent on themselves
Step 3: Apply the Multiplier — based on the age of the deceased. The multiplier represents the number of years the dependents would have received financial support.
| Age of Deceased | Multiplier |
| 15–20 years | 20 |
| 25–30 years | 17 |
| 35–40 years | 15 |
| 45–50 years | 13 |
| 55–60 years | 9 |
| 65+ years | 5 |
Step 4: Add non-pecuniary losses — loss of consortium (₹40,000), loss of estate (₹15,000), funeral expenses (₹15,000) — as updated by the Supreme Court in National Insurance Co. Ltd. v. Pranay Sethi (2017).
MACT Procedure
- File claim petition with all supporting documents
- Notice to respondents — insurance company, vehicle owner, driver
- Written statement filed by respondents
- Evidence stage — claimant’s witnesses, expert witnesses, documentary evidence
- Arguments by both sides
- Award — MACT delivers its award determining compensation
- Disbursement — Insurance company pays into court; court disburses to claimant
The MACT has powers of a civil court for taking evidence, enforcing attendance of witnesses, and compelling production of documents.
Challenging a MACT Award
If either party is aggrieved by the MACT award, it can be challenged before the High Court through a First Appeal against Order (FAO) under Section 173 of the MV Act, within 90 days of receiving the award.
The Supreme Court has repeatedly held that High Courts in FAO proceedings must provide reasons for not enhancing compensation — ensuring accountability in appellate decisions on MACT awards.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the full form of MACT?
A: MACT stands for Motor Accident Claims Tribunal — a specialised quasi-judicial body established under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 to adjudicate compensation claims from road accidents.
Q: Under which section of MV Act is MACT established?
A: Section 165 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 empowers State Governments to constitute Motor Accident Claims Tribunals.
Q: Who can file a claim in MACT?
A: The injured person, legal representatives of a deceased victim, the property owner, or their authorised agent can file a claim petition before the relevant MACT.
Q: What is the multiplier method in MACT?
A: The multiplier method calculates compensation based on the deceased’s income, deductions for personal expenses, and a multiplier reflecting the number of years dependants would receive support — adjusted for the age of the deceased.
Q: Is there a time limit to file a MACT claim?
A: There is no prescribed limitation period, but courts may ask for explanation of unusual delays. Claims should be filed at the earliest to preserve evidence and witness availability.
Q: How can a MACT award be challenged?
A: A MACT award can be challenged before the High Court through a First Appeal against Order (FAO) under Section 173 of the Motor Vehicles Act, within 90 days of receiving the award.
Q: What standard does MACT use to determine compensation?
A: Section 168 of the MV Act requires MACT to award compensation that “appears to be just” — a standard that the Supreme Court has interpreted as requiring rational, fair, and non-arbitrary assessment.
Q: Can MACT award more than what is claimed?
A: Yes. The Supreme Court has confirmed that MACT is not limited to the amount claimed — it can award higher compensation if the evidence supports it, as the mandate is “just compensation.”
