1. - This is an appeal preferred by Murari Lal, owner of Vehicle No. RJR/2278, against the Award passed by the learned Judge, Motor Accidents Claims Tribunal, Jaipur dated 31st May, 1977.

2. The claim arises out of an accident which took place on 31st March, 1969 at about 3 p.m. of a distance of 3 miles and 5 furlongs from Jaipur. A bus of the Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation (In short RSRTC) was going from Jaipur to Bharatpur and Deoki Nandan was the driver. The bus No.: RJR/2278 was coming towards Jaipur and the accident took place near Ghash-ki-Chuni. It is alleged that Murari Lal was, the real owner and Copal Das was the registered owner.

3. Before dealing with the merits of the case, I would like to mention that the Motor accidents claims Tribunal Hereinafter referred to as the Tribunal) passed an Award on 22nd July, 1972. It was held by the Tribunal that the Driver Deokinandan was not negligent and as such, the RSRTC is not responsible for the payment of com pensation. The Award was passed against Gopal Das non-petitioner to the extent of Rs. 31,104/- and cost Rs. 400/-. It was also held that non petitioner No. 4 Insurance company is responsible for payment o