S.K.CHOUDHURI, J.

1. - These appeals have been heard together as they involve common question of law and are being disposed of by this judgment. All these appeals have been preferred by the owner of the vehicle against the judgment and award dated 21st of May, 1974 passed by the District Judge (Motor Accident Claims Tribunal), Dhanbad. By this judgment several claim cases, which were registered as title suits, were disposed of.

2. On 26th Sept. 1970 the passenger bus (public vehicle) named Sri Durga Bus Service bearing registration No. WOW 91 was going from Ranchi to Jharia with passengers. Unfortunately this bus met with an accident at a place known as Chas near village Chautand, Police-station Chas on the same day at about 4.30 p.m. Several persons were injured and some of the passengers also died in that accident. This accident gave rise to different claim cases. The bus was admittedly insured at the relevant time with the Insurance Company known as Oriental Fire and General Insurance Co. Ltd.. The seven appeals with which this Court is concerned arise out of the claim petitions, which were registered as title suits and for convenience they are being mentioned in the fol