JUDGMENT

This appeal is filed by the claimant in O.P.(MV) No. 50 of

2007 on the file of the Motor Accidents Claims Tribunal, Punalur, claiming enhancement of compensation. The respondents herein were the respondents before the tribunal.

2. According to the claimant, on 21.04.2006, while the claimant was travelling in a bus bearing Reg. No. KL- 15/5945 from Kottarakara to Thiruvananthapuram, driven by the 1^st respondent in a rash and negligent manner and as a result of which the claimant fell down from the seat and sustained serious injuries. The claimant approached the tribunal claiming a total compensation of ₹3,00,000/-.

3. The first respondent/driver of the bus remained ex-

parte before the tribunal. The second respondent/owner of the bus filed a written statement denying negligence of the first respondent and disputing the quantum of compensation claimed. Before the tribunal, Exts.A1 to A17 documents were marked. The tribunal, after analysing the pleadings and materials on record, awarded a sum of ₹38,370/- with interest at 7.5% per annum as compensation under various heads against the respondent insurer; and in default of payment as above, penal interest @ 9% per annum was also a