HIMACHAL ROAD TRANSPORT Vs. PURAN CHAND

JUDGEMENT

(1.) THE Himachal Road Transport Corporation (for short the HRTC) has filed the present appeal assailing the impugned Award dated 17.1.2008 passed by the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (I) Kangra at Dharamshala, in M.A.C.P. No. 83 -D/II -2006, titled as Puran Chand and others v. H.R.T.C. and another, awarding compensation of Rs. 4,70,000/ - along with interest at the rate of 7 -1/2% per annum in favour of the claimants, respondents No. 1 to 6 herein (in short claimants).

(2.) ON 23.8.2006, deceased Smt. Bimla Devi was travelling as a passenger in Bus No. HP -39 -3993 owned by HRTC and in an accident which took place at village Tang, Teshil Dharamshala, Distt. Kangra, she died. Consequently, the claimants, who were defendants filed a claim petition under Section 166 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 (hereinafter referred to as ˜the Act), claiming compensation on account of her death in the said accident. The transport vehicle was not insured.

(3.) THE owner, though filed a separate reply but, however, took the similar defence.