M.L. Joseph Francis, J.

M.A.C.A. 1466 of 2005 is filed by the third respondent, New India Assurance Company Ltd., in O.P. (M.V.) No. 1444 of 2001. M.A.C.A. 1471 of 2005 is filed by the third respondent in O.P.(M.V.) No. 1495 of 2001 and M.A.C.A.No. 1479 of 2005 is filed by the third respondent in O.P.(M.V.) No.1467 of 2001 on the file of the Motor Accidents Claims Tribunal, Kottayam. The respondents in the above appeals are the petitioners and other respondents in the O.P.M.Vs., which are filed under S.166 of the Motor Vehicles Act.

2. A motor accident occurred on 22.7.2000 at about 8.30 p.m. on the Chengalam -Pallikathodu Public road at Kavunginpalam within Pallikathodu Police Station limit, in which the petitioner Sajan Jacob @ Sajan of O.P. 1444 of 2001, Jobin Antony @ Jobin of O.P.(M.V.) No.1465 of 2001, Sajeev Jacob @ Sajeev of O.P.(M.V.) No.1467 of 2001 sustained injuries and deceased Antony of O.P.(M.V.) No.1495 of 2001 sustained fatal injuries.

3. The petitioners in the above claim petitions as well as deceased Antony were head load workers and Mason respectively, who were travelling in goods vehicle No. KL 5D/7225, driven by the second respondent, on the way bac