( 1 ) THIS is an appeal under Section 110-D of Motor Vehicles Act, 1939 (hereinafter referred to as 'the Act'), against the award dated 15-10-87, passed by the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal, Betul (hereinafter referred to as the 'claims Tribunal') in Claim Case No. 9/84 whereby an award of Rs. 48,400/- has been passed against the appellant and respondents Nos. 14 and 15 jointly and severally, in favour of Respondents Nos. 1 to 13. The respondents, aforesaid are liable to pay interest at the rate of 12% from 4-5-84 till realisation on the aforesaid amount. The other connected Miscellaneous Appeal No. 17/88 arises out of the award dated 15-10-87 in Claim Case No. 8/84 passed by the same Claims Tribunal. The award given in this case amounts to Rs. 48,400/- against the appellant and respondents Nos. 6 and 7 jointly and severally with interest at the rate of 12% from 18-4-84 in favour of respondents Nos. 1 to 5. In both these appeals common question of facts and law arise. The claimants are victims of accident took place on 27-2-84 when they were travelling in Bus No. MPD 4971. The order passed in this appeal shall also govern the disposal of Miscellaneous Appeal No. 1