P.C.JAIN, J.

1. This judgement and order of ours would dispose of L.P. As. Nos.281, 282, 283 and 284 of 1977 as well as cross-objections No.16 of 1978 filed in L.P.A. No.281 of 1977 and cross-objections No.15 of 1978 filed in L.P.A. No.284 of 1977, as common questions of law and fact arise in these appeals and cross-objections.

2. In order to appreciate the controversy, certain salient features of the case be noticed :-

3. Colonel N.A. Subramaniam respondent along with Colonel J.S. Khurana and Major Y. Bisaria were going towards the Airport, Chandigarh, in a Military staff car driven by Sepoy-driver P. Mohammad on November 7, 1969, when the staff car met with an accident with a private car No. CH-1104, which was being driven by Sham Singh respondent and was owned by Jai Singh appellant, at the crossing of the roads between Sectors 23 and 24 and the Dakshan Marg. As a result of the accident, Colonel Subramaniam was thrown out and received injuries, so also the other occupants of the car including the driver. All the four injured persons filed claim applications for compensation. The learned Tribunal vide its award dated July 11, 1973, awarded compensation of Rupees one lac t