JUDGMENT

This appeal has been filed by the claimant in OP(MV) No.989 of

2003 on the files of the I Additional Motor Accidents Claims Tribunal, Kollam, claiming enhancement of compensation. The respondents herein were the respondents before the tribunal.

2. The case of the claimant was that on 08.02.2003, while he was travelling in an autorickshaw, a KSRTC bus driven by the second respondent in a rash and negligent manner, hit the autorickshaw, whereby he sustained serious injuries. He approached the tribunal claiming compensation.

3. Respondents 1 and 2, who are the owner and driver of the KSRTC bus respectively, filed separate objections before the tribunal, denying negligence on the part of the second respondent and disputing the liability and quantum of compensation claimed. Exts.A1 to A14 were marked. The tribunal, after analysing the pleadings and materials on record, held that the accident took place on account of the negligence of the driver of the offending vehicle and awarded a sum of ₹41,500/- as compensation under different heads with interest @ 7.5% per annum from the date of petition till realization, against the first respondent KSRTC; and in default of payment as above