JUDGMENT :

These appeals under Section 173 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 (for short “the Act) are filed by M/s.United India Insurance Company and the claimants challenging the award dt.13.11.2006 delivered by the Motor Accidents Claims Tribunal-cum-District Judge at Chittoor (for short “the Tribunal”) in M.V.O.P.No.27 of 2003 granting compensation of a sum of Rs.3,69,500/- with interest @ 9% per annum thereon from the date of filing of the petition till realization against Respondents 1 and 3 jointly and severally to pay the compensation amount to the petitioners on account of the death of Shaik Alla Bakshu (hereinafter referred to as “the deceased”) in a road traffic accident at R.T.O Check Post, Palamaner Town on 23.12.2002.

2. Since these appeals are arising out of the same accident and raising common questions of law, they have been heard together and are being decided by this common judgment.

3. For the sake of convenience, the parties are hereinafter referred to as they are arrayed before the Tribunal in the claim petition.

4. The factual context of the case, is as under:

(a