RITA ARORA Vs. SALIG RAM

JUDGEMENT

(1.) These seven appeals arising under Section 110-D of the Motor Vehicles Act are directed against the decision of the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal adjudicating upon claims for compensation in respect of an accident involving death of three persons namely Ved Prakash Chopra. Narendra Kumar Arora and Devi Lal.

(2.) On 1-2-1969 at about 6 P. M. a bus HRA-1244 belonging to Haryana Roadways was proceeding from Simla to Chandigarh. When it reached milestone No. 50 on Simla-Kalka road at a place known as Koti. it was accosted by a truck HRA-1759 loaded with bricks coming from the opposite direction. While the bus was crossing the truck its hind portion struck against the truck and the impact pushed it towards the left breaking the parapet wall with the result that it rolled down and fell inside a khud. As a result of that accident Ved Prakash Chopra and Narender Kumar Arora were killed on the spot, while Devi Lal received multiple injuries and was removed to PGI Hospital. Chandigarh. He expired there on 10-2-1969. Salig Ram respondent was the driver, while Kundan Lal was the conductor of the bus. Accordingly claims were made before the Tribunal by the legal representatives of the three deceased, and these seven appeals arise out of these claims.

(3.) The legal representatives of Narender Kumar Arora claimed Rs. 7 lakhs and odd while the legal representatives of Ved Prakash Chopra and Devi Lal claimed Rs. 21/2 lakhs and Rs. 11/2 lakhs respectively. The Tribunal has awarded Rs. 1 lakh to the legal representatives of Arora. Rs. 1 lakh again to the legal representatives of Chopra and Rs. 40,000/-to the legal representatives of Devi Lal. They are not satisfied with the adjudication of claims and have preferred these appeals.