1. This is an appeal under Section 23 of the Railway Claims Tribunal Act, 1987 preferred by N.F. Railways challenging the judgment and award dated 30.07.2007 passed by the learned Railway Claims Tribunal at Guwahati in O.A. No. 459/2000. By that judgment, the learned Tribunal directed the railway authorities to make payment of compensation to the claimant respondent to the tune of Rs. 71,400/- along with interest at the rate of 6% per annum if the payment is not made within a period of 60 days from the date of order.

2. Respondent M/s Sunrise Traders filed a claim petition before the Railway Claims Tribunal at Guwahati stating that it is owner of 951 packets of onion booked in safe, sound and secured condition meeting all legal formalities as per railway rules at Manmad Railway Station in Maharastra. The consignment was booked by Maharastra State Cooperative Marketing Federation Limited for delivery at New Guwahati. The booking was made on 20/22.03.2000 and same was delivered on 04.04.2000 whereupon it was found that the wagon doors were kept open, wagon roof was leaky and also water marked condition on the roofs and side walls. The consignment was found wet damaged and in r