Motor Accident Compensation Adjudication in India: Framework, Evolution and Systemic Challenges

India records over 461,000 road accidents annually, resulting in approximately 168,000 deaths and 443,000 injuries. The Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 established Motor Accident Claims Tribunals (MACTs) to provide expeditious compensation through specialized procedures. This study examines the legal framework, compensation jurisprudence evolution, and systemic challenges through analysis of 65+ Supreme Court and High Court judgments from 1987-2023. Key findings reveal significant standardization progress through landmark decisions like Sarla Verma (2009) and Pranay Sethi (2017), yet persistent challenges remain in procedural delays, regional inconsistencies, and insurance liability gaps. The study proposes evidence-based reforms including universal implementation of Delhi’s Detailed Accident Report scheme, tribunal expansion, mandatory personal accident coverage, and enhanced enforcement mechanisms.