THE APSRTC Vs. KOTRA ALLAJI

JUDGEMENT

(1.) THE Managing Director, A.P.S.R.T.C -3rd respondent to the claim petition filed this appeal, having been aggrieved by the Order/Award of the learned Chairman of the Tribunal -cum -IV Additional Metropolitan Sessions Judge -cum -XVIII Additional Chief Judge, Hyderabad, (for short, Tribunal) in O.P. No. 384 of 2008 dated 15.06.2010, awarding compensation of Rs. 1,54,500/ - (Rupees one lakh fifty four thousand five hundred only) with interest at 7.5% per annum with the finding that the 3rd respondent alone is liable and not the respondents 1 and 2 original owner and insurer of the vehicle (hired with RTC) as against the claim of claimants 1 and 2 of Rs. 2,00,000/ - (Rupees two lakhs only), in the claim petition under Section 166 of the Motor Vehicle Act, 1988 (for short, the Act).

(2.) HEARD learned standing counsel for the appellant (APSRTC), learned counsel for the respondents 1 and 2 (claimants) and learned standing counsel for the 4th respondent (insurer). The 3rd respondent herein who is the original owner of the bus, hired to appellant - -RTC though served called absent, remained ex parte and thus taken as heard to decide on merits. Perused the material on record. The parties hereinafter are referred to as arrayed before the Tribunal for the sake of convenience in the appeal.