GURIJALA CHENNAMMA Vs. VICE CHAIRMAN AND MANAGING DIRECTOR

JUDGEMENT

(1.) These two M.A.C.M.As. arise out of award dated 08-09-2004 in O.P. No. 287 of 2002 on the file of the Motor Accidents Claims Tribunal - cum - District Judge, Ongole (for short 'the Tribunal').

(2.) While M.A.C.M.A. No. 514 of 2006 is filed by the claimants in the O.P. feeling dissatisfied with the quantum of compensation fixed by the Tribunal, M.A.C.M.A. No. 2585 of 2006 is filed by the Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (A.P.S.R.T.C.) questioning the award of compensation. With the consent of learned Counsel for both the parties, they are heard and the appeals are being disposed of by a common order. For convenience, the parties are referred to as they are arrayed in the O.P.

(3.) On 08-06-2001, Gurijala Venkataiah (hereinafter referred to as 'the deceased') along with the Deputy Executive Engineer and some other officials was travelling in jeep bearing No. MH 34F 1314 on official work towards Ongole. When the jeep reached near Katurivaripalem Village, A.P.S.R.T.C. bus bearing No. AP 10Z 7250 dashed against the jeep on its right side resulting in instantaneous death of the jeep driver and causing grievous head injury to the deceased. The deceased succumbed to the injuries while was being taken to the Government Hospital, Podili. The claimants, who are the family members of the deceased, filed the O.P. claiming compensation of Rs. 10,00,000/-. The Tribunal on the basis of the pleadings of the parties framed the following issues: