(1.) This order will dispose of the above mentioned five appeals arising out of the same accident.
(2.) FAO Nos. 203 and 205 of 1998 have been filed by the claimants seeking further enhancement of compensation, whereas FAO Nos. 150, 159 and 236 of 1998 have been filed by the owner and driver of the vehicle challenging the finding of the Tribunal absolving the Insurance Company of the liability, considering the fact that the driver of the vehicle was not holding valid driving licence on the date of accident.
(3.) Briefly, the facts of the case are that on 28.7.1994, Resho Devi along with Sunita Devi were waiting for a bus at Bus Stand, Sherpur Sulakhani. In the meantime, a truck bearing registration No. HYX-4287, being driven by Sonu in a rash and negligent manner, came there and dashed against the wooden khokha of Atma Ram-claimant, as a result of which the wooden khokha was damaged and Atma Ram also received injuries. Thereafter, the truck struck into the bus queue shelter of Haryana Roadways causing damage to the shelter. Sunita Devi, who was sitting beneath the shelter received injuries and died at the spot. Resho Devi- claimant received multiple injuries. The Motor Accidents Claims Tribunal, Ambala (for short, `the Tribunal') awarded Rs. 24,600/- and Rs. 2,000/- as compensation to claimants-Resho Devi and Atma Ram respectively. The Tribunal absolved the insurance company of its liability. The impugned award is under challenge in the aforesaid appeals.