LOKESHWAR SINGH PANTA, J.—The aforesaid 9 appeals have been filed at the instance of National Insurance Company against separate awards made on 21-2-1995 by the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (I), Kangra at Dharamshala whereby 9 claim petitions arising out of a single accident were decided. Since common question of law and facts is involved in these appeals, hence they are being disposed of by this common judgment.

2. The necessary facts giving rise to these appeals are stated as below : — On 18-7-1993, bus bearing No. HPK-5277 belonging to Hamirpur Transport Cooperative Society and being driven by driver Bihari Lal was coming from Pathankot side. At 8.15 A.M. the bus in question fell into a Khud (Gorge) at Chambi bridge when it was crossing the bridge. As a result of the accident as many as 8 persons, including driver Bihari Lal had died at the spot and number of other persons sustained injuries. Nine claim petitions were filed before the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal by the claimants claiming compensation. According to the claimants, the accident took place on account of rash and negligent driving by the driver of the bus in question. The claims for compensation were res