MARCOS Commando Awarded ₹2.46 Crore Compensation for 2018 Visakhapatnam Accident
New Delhi, June 7, 2026 — In a landmark decision highlighting the severe impact of road accidents on skilled military personnel, the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT) at Patiala House Courts in Delhi has granted approximately ₹2.46 crore as compensation to Sailor Lakhpat Singh, a MARCOS diver in the Indian Navy. This decision comes after Singh was critically injured in a road accident on December 25, 2018, in Visakhapatnam, rendering him unable to perform his specialized underwater and combat duties.
The tribunal, presided over by Officer Abhilash Malhotra, recognized that Singh experienced a 100% loss of earning capacity despite being assessed with an 88% permanent disability by a medical board and continuing in a desk role. The insurer of the vehicle responsible, Royal Sundaram General Insurance Company, was ordered to pay the compensation.
Lakhpat Singh was an integral part of the Indian Navy's elite MARCOS unit, known for undertaking high-risk maritime tasks in diverse environments. The MARCOS undergo rigorous training, which equips them for underwater demolitions, special operations, and the protection of maritime territories.
At the time of the accident, Singh was stationed at INS Karna in Visakhapatnam. His status as a trained underwater diver was the result of years of dedication and specialized military training. Prior to the accident, Singh had promising career prospects, including potential promotions and advanced training courses. Naval records indicated that without the injury, his retirement pension was estimated at ₹69,509 monthly, but after the incident, it reduced to about ₹14,484 per month.
On December 25, 2018, Singh and a companion were riding a motorcycle when they were hit from behind by a speeding Swift car near the Telugu Thalli Flyover in Visakhapatnam. The impact ejected them onto the road.
The police charge sheet confirmed the motorcycle was struck from the rear by the Swift car. The driver of the vehicle failed to testify in the tribunal, leading to an adverse inference. Based on the available evidence, the MACT concluded the accident was due to rash and negligent driving.
Singh sustained multiple serious injuries, including fractures to his pelvis, hip, right upper limb, lower limb, ribs, and other areas. His right side was particularly impacted, affecting the normal function of his hand, leg, elbow, back, and hip.
He was initially in critical condition at INS Kalyani Hospital in Visakhapatnam, and later airlifted to the Military Hospital in Kirkee, Pune, for advanced care. His treatment spanned approximately six months and involved several major surgeries.
A medical board later determined his permanent disability at 88%, and he was declared unfit for MARCOS activities, relegated to desk duties needing assistance for routine tasks. Despite remaining in naval service, his capacity for specialized operations and career advancements within the MARCOS was irreparably hindered.
The MACT, upon reviewing Singh's medical records, disability certificate, naval service records, and police charge sheet, recognized that despite being employed, the nature of his injuries resulted in a complete loss of earning capacity in his specialized field.
“It is clear that the petitioner will not be able to pursue his profession and skills due to nature of injuries and has suffered 100% loss of earning capacity.”
The tribunal stressed that holding a desk job does not eliminate claims for lost future prospects, promotions, and specialized career progression. Citing Supreme Court precedents, it noted that permanent disability can significantly affect earning potential and future opportunities, even when alternative employment exists. Singh's injuries deprived him of opportunities for specialized military training, career progression, and post-retirement roles that leveraged his expertise as a professional diver.
The tribunal highlighted that Royal Sundaram General Insurance Company, insurer of the offending vehicle, did not contest the claims of rash and negligent driving, nor raised any statutory defenses, thus bearing the liability.
MACT awarded a principal amount of ₹1,65,69,404. With a 9% annual interest from the claim date, the total compensation amounts to approximately ₹2,46,46,988.
Compensation was determined across various factors, including:
| Loss of future income and 100% loss of earning capacity |
| Economic loss from missed promotions and career progression |
| Permanent disability |
| Future prospects |
| Attendant charges and assistive support |
| Pain and suffering |
| Loss of amenities and quality of life reduction |
| Mental agony |
| Special diet, travel expenses, and other damages |
The tribunal ordered an immediate release of ₹50 lakh to Singh, with the remaining compensation to be placed in long-term fixed deposits to ensure ongoing financial security.
In its observations, the MACT remarked on the irreplaceable loss of a highly trained soldier and the broader consequences for national defense, noting that no financial compensation can fully remedy the disruption of a military career.
“This case is not just that of a road accident, but of a soldier who underwent rigorous training for the country’s service, and whose dreams were affected due to negligent driving.”
“A little negligence on the road can change a person’s life and deprive the country of such valuable military resources.”
The tribunal emphasized the national implications of losing a MARCOS commando with specialized skills due to road accidents.
This ruling underlines the importance of recognizing the unique characteristics of military careers in compensation cases, setting a precedent for similar claims involving military professionals whose operational roles are permanently compromised.
The insurer has been instructed to fulfill the award promptly. As of this report, no appeal has been noted.
This case underscores the critical importance of road safety, particularly in military regions, while reminding of the enduring consequences of road accidents. For Lakhpat Singh, the compensation offers some relief, but as the tribunal acknowledged, it cannot restore the career and dreams disrupted by the accident in Visakhapatnam in 2018.
