A MACT (Motor Accident Claims Tribunal) case in India does not have one fixed completion time. In straightforward cases, the claim may be resolved within 6–12 months, while contested cases can take 1–3 years or even longer, depending on the court’s workload, evidence, number of hearings, and whether liability or the amount of compensation is disputed.
Under Section 168 of the Motor Vehicles Act, the Tribunal is required to deal with compensation claims as expeditiously as possible. The law also provides for the award amount to be deposited within 30 days after the award is announced.
The process may take longer when the accident involves serious injuries or death, disputed negligence, difficulty serving the parties, medical evidence, multiple witnesses, or a dispute regarding the insurance company's liability. Courts have also issued directions aimed at speeding up motor accident claims, with certain procedures designed to resolve suitable cases within roughly 90–120 days when there is no major dispute.
Therefore, if you are filing a MACT claim, it is better to prepare for several months to a few years, rather than assuming that every case will be completed within a specific period. Keeping medical records, FIR/DAR documents, bills, income proof, disability documents, and other evidence properly organized can help avoid unnecessary delays.
