JUDGMENT

The petitioners in OP(MV) No.57/2013 on the file of the Motor Accidents Claims Tribunal, Palakkad have preferred this appeal seeking enhancement of compensation awarded by the tribunal on account of the death of Unnikrishnan in a motor accident that occurred on 06.07.2012.

2. The case of the petitioners is that on 06.07.2012 at about 8 p.m., while Sri.Unnikrishnan was travelling in an autorickshaw bearing Reg.No.KL/57/E/3278 as a passenger and reached at P.C.Mukku in Thamarassery-Balussery State Highway, a bus bearing Reg.No.KL/56/B/1566 driven by the 2^nd respondent in a rash and negligent manner hit the auto rickshaw. Due to the impact of the hit, Unnikrishnan sustained fatal injuries and he died at the spot.

3. The registered owner and driver of the offending bus bearing Reg.No.KL-56/B-1566 and owner-cum-driver of auto rickshaw bearing Reg.No.KL-57/E-3278 were arrayed as the 1^st 2^nd and 4^th respondents respectively, whereas, the insurer of the bus was arrayed as the 3^rd respondent.

4. The 3^rd respondent contested the petition by written statement mainly disputing the quantum of compensation claimed, despite admitting insurance coverage for the bus involved in the a