Despite service of notice, none appears for respondents 2 and 3-Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (for brevity 'the Corporation') in CMA Nos.237, 260, 276, 529 and 573 of 2003, who are respondents 4 and 5 in CMA No.408 of 2003; and respondent NO.5-owner of car bearing Registration No.AP.25B-2277 in CMA Nos.237, 260, 276, 529 and 573 of 2003, who is respondent No.7 in CMA No.408 of 2003; and there is no representation on their behalf.

2. Heard Smt. A. Malathi, learned Standing Counsel for the appellant-The United India Insurance Company Limited and Sri P. Radhive Reddy, learned Counsel appearing for respondent No.1-claimants in CMA Nos.237, 260, 276, 529 and 573 of 2003 and respondent Nos.l to 3-claimants in CMA No.408 of 2003 only, since respondent No.4-transferor of the offending car in CMA Nos.237, 260, 276, 529 and 573 of 2003, who is respondent No.6 in CMA No.408 of 2003 was shown as 'not necessary' vide cause titles.

3. Since all these civil miscellaneous appeals an cross-objections do arise out of one and the same accident and the issue involved in all these matters being common, they are heard together and being disposed of by this common judgment.

4. A