M. VENUGOPAL, J.

This Civil Miscellaneous Appeal is directed against the award dated 20.8.2003 passed in W.C. No. 18 of 2002 by the Workmens Compensation Commissioner, Dindigul.

2. The Workmens Compensation Commissioner (Tribunal), Dindigul, after contest on appreciation of oral and documentary evidence, has passed an award on 20.8.2003, granting a sum of Rs. 2,14,491/- (Rupees Two Lakhs Fourteen Thousand Four Hundred and Ninety One only) as compensation along with interest at 9% p.a from the date of accident till date of payment. The appellant/second respondent, National Insurance Company Ltd,Madurai, has been directed to pay the aforesaid sum within thirty days from the date of receipt of the copy of the award.

3. Brief facts of the case are as follows:

(i) The first respondent/claimant has filed the claim petition before the Workmens Compensation Commissioner (Tribunal), Dindigul, inter alia stating that he has been a driver/employee employed by the second respondent as the owner of an auto bearing Registration No. TN-59-J-0954 and that the vehicle has been insured with the appellant/National Insurance Company Ltd., Madurai and that on 7.9.2001 at about 12.00 p.m., (mi