Anis, J.

1. These two appeals are directed against the common award dated 12.11.2003 passed by the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal-cum-I Additional District Judge, Srikakulam in M.V.O.P. Nos. 511 of 1998 and 532 of 1998 respectively, which arise out of the same accident that occurred on 22.05.1996 at about 5.30 a.m. near Korlam village on N.H.5 road in Srikakulam District.

2. Petitioners in O.P. No. 511 of 1998 are the parents of one Nagula Simhachalam Behara and their case is that on 22.05.1996, their son engaged the 2nd respondent's van bearing registration No. AP16/W 1155 at Tekkali to transport his ropes and coir fibre articles to Kanchili and boarded into the van along with his goods and paid Rs. 10/- towards hire charges to its driver i.e. 1st respondent and he being the custodian of the said goods was travelling in the said van to go to Kanchili. When the said van reached near Korlam junction on N.H.5 road at about 5.30 a.m., the 1st respondent drove the vehicle in a rash and negligent manner and without observing traffic rules and without blowing horn and with great speed, dashed the van against one stationed lorry bearing registration No. AP5/X 1197, as a result their