Sri Chagantipati Venkateswara Rao, was employed as Head Constable, and was working in the office of the Commissioner of Police, Vijayawada.

On 13-5-1995, when he was proceeding on his Moped (Lune), bearing No.AP-16-8456 from Bandar Locks to Krishnalanka Police Station, a bus bearing No.AP-9Z 3591, owned by the APSRTC, is said to have hit the Moped from behind. Venkateswara Rao died on account of the injuries received by him. Crime NoJ4 of 1995 was registered against the driver of the bus, by the II Town Traffic Police Station, Vijayawada.

The wife and three minor children of late Venkateswra Rao filed M.V.O.P.No.297 of 1995 in the Motor Accidents Claims Tribunal-claim-III Additional District Judge, Vijayawada, claiming a sum of Rs.5,00,000/-, as compensation. Through its order dated 17-10-2000, the Tribunal awarded a sum of Rs3,93,824/-, and apportioned the same among the respondents/ claimants.

2. APSRTC, the appellant, filed this appeal, assailing the order passed by the Tribunal. The claimants/respondents filed cross-objections, seeking enhancement.

3. Sri V. T.M Prasad, learned Counsel for the appellants submits that the accident occurred solely on account of the carelessness