1. Motor Accident Claims Tribunal. Anantnag (the District and Sessions Judge) awarded compensation of Rs. 2,40,000/- with 6% interest less by the amount paid by way of interim relief w.e.f. the date of institution of the claim on 15-03-1980 till the amount is deposited in the court with condition that half the amount of interest awarded shall be recovered from the owner of the vehicle- Respondent No. 3. This award is under challenge in this appeal filed by the United India Insurance Co. the insurer.

2. The facts necessary for out purposes briefly stated are that one Mohammad Yaqoob Rather, a Lecturer in Regional Engineering College, Srinagar, died due to vehicular accident on 04-11-1979 at Village Buchroo Tehsil Kulgam, when he was hit by vehicle bearing Registration mark and number JKB-225 driven rashly and negligently by Respondent No.1. The vehicle is alleged to have been under subsisting Insurance on the above date of accident and the Insurance Policy is stated to be issued by the Appellant United India Insurance Co. It merits to be noted that despite the accident having taken place on 04-11-1979, the claim petition was decided only on 16-03-1998, after lapse of over 18 years.

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