JUDGMENT

This appeal is filed by claimants in O.P.(MV).No.

230/2006 on the file of the Motor Accidents Claims Tribunal, Thiruvananthapuram, claiming enhancement of compensation. The respondents herein were the respondents before the tribunal.

2. According to the claimants, on 27.08.2005, while the deceased was riding his motorcycle bearing Reg.No.KL-1- U-7133 from PMG vigilance office, a KSRTC bus bearing Reg.No.KL-15/5528 driven by the second respondent, in a rash and negligent manner hit the motorcycle. As a result, the deceased sustained serious injuries and succumbed to the injuries. The legal heirs of the deceased approached the tribunal claiming a total compensation of ₹21,50,000/- which was limited to ₹20,00,000/-.

3. The 2^nd respondent/the driver of the offending vehicle remained ex-parte before the tribunal. The 1^st respondent/owner/KSRTC filed a written statement contending that the accident occurred due to the negligence of the deceased himself and disputing the quantum of compensation claimed. Exts.A1 to A21 were marked. The tribunal, after analysing the pleadings and materials on record, awarded a total compensation of ₹16,31,000/- with interest @9% per annum against the