Tribunals Can't Get Involved In Infight Between Counsel: Allahabad High Court
Recently, while dealing with a compensation claim arising out of Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, the Allahabad High Court observed that the Motor Accidents Claims Tribunal cannot get involved in an infight between counsels.
Despite orders of the Lok Adalat in 2019, the compensation had not been released to the petitioner. In 2026, the Presiding Officer, MACT Sultanpur passed an order stating that the amount cannot be released without hearing the erstwhile counsel for the petitioner. Against this order, the petitioner approached the High Court.
Justice Jaspreet Singh observed, “The petitioner has made allegations against her counsel however, what is most alarming is that in an infighting between two counsel, it appears that Tribunal has got itself involved which cannot be countenanced at all.”
The Court observed that such a conduct and order of the Presiding Officer raises questions on its authority to pass such order. It further directed the Presiding Officer, MACT Sultanpur to furnish explanation regarding his authority to pass such order and denying release of compensation without hearing the erstwhile counsel of the petitioner.
The Court also directed the Presiding Officer to furnish explanation as to why the amount had not been released for 6 years despite order of the Lok Adalat in 2019.
The matter is directed to be listed on 10.04.2026.
Case Title: Renoo Singh v. Moter Accident Claim Tribunal Distt. Sultanpur And Another