JUDGMENT :

N.V.RAMANA, J.

1. The short question to be answered in this appeal is whether the amount deposited by the judgment debtor in a decree is to be adjusted first towards interest or towards principal decretal amount.

2. The facts of the case are - On account of demise of an Engineering Graduate, Mr. V. Raja Kumar on 29.04.1993 in a road accident, his legal heirs, i.e., the appellants herein filed a claim petition being M.V.O.P. 774 of 1993 before the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (for short, 'the Tribunal') claiming -

3. compensation to the tune of Rs.2 crores. The vehicle involved in the said accident was insured by the respondent - Insurance Company. The Tribunal vide its Award dated 29.04.1997 awarded an amount of Rs.98,40,500/- as compensation with interest @ 12% p.a. from the date of the petition, i.e., 25.10.1993 till the date of realization, apart from costs quantified at Rs.99,443/-.

4. Being aggrieved, the respondent - Insurance Company filed an appeal under Section 173 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 (for short, 'the Act') and to comply with the provisions contained therein, deposited a sum of Rs.25,000/-. On 15.12.1997, the High Court in C.M.A. No. 1726 of 1997 grante