RANJIT SINGH Vs. DEEPAK SHARMA AND OTHERS

JUDGEMENT

(1.) These two appeals are being decided by this common judgment as common questions of fact and law are involved therein.

(2.) Two separate claim petitions were instituted by the children of late Lt. Col. Satya Parkash Sharma and his wife Pushpa Sharma, who died in a road accident, which took place on 09.03.1994. The accident took place with the scooter being driven by Lt. Col. Satya Parkash Sharma on which his wife Pushpa Sharma was pillion rider, was hit by a Army Jonga bearing chassis No.VF-8416, Engine No.AO/4261/JVF/926/JVF being driven by respondent No.3-Jatinder Kumar. According to the claimants, appellant-Ranjit Singh was the owner of the said vehicle and had been purchased by him in Army disposal auction. The said vehicle was driven rashly and negligently by Jatinder Kumar-respondent No.3 and he hit the scooter of their parents near Y Junction resulting in their death. FIR No.41 dated 09.03.1994 was also registered. After examining the evidence on record, the learned MACT, Gurdaspur granted a compensation of Rs. 9,36,000/- and the liability was fastened on the appellant and respondents No. 4 and 5 jointly and severely. The present appeals have been filed by the owner-Ranjit Singh. No cross appeals have been filed by the claimants for enhancement of compensation.

(3.) I have heard learned counsel for the parties and have perused the record with their assistance.