Navita Singh, J. - (1.) LEARNED counsel for the parties have been heard.
(2.) THIS appeal is directed against the award dated 06.06.1998 passed by the Motor Accidents Claims Tribunal, Patiala, whereby the appellants were granted compensation to the tune of Rs. 7,06,000/ -on account of the death of Balram Singh who was husband of appellant No. 1 and father of appellants No. 2 and 3 and son of appellant No. 4. It was alleged in the petition that on 05.09.1996 at about 6:00 P.M., the deceased was going from Village Kathgarh towards Village Bhunerheri on Motor Cycle No. PB -11 -F -4084 which was being driven by him while his brother -in -law Sukhwinder Singh alias Pamma was the pillion rider. When they reached near Village Panjeta, Bus No. PB -11 -C -9546 being driven by respondent No. 1 came from the opposite side and hit front right side of the motor cycle of the deceased. The bus was being driven in a rash and negligent manner. The deceased received injuries on his face and his forehead was fractured. He died at the spot. He received injuries on other parts of his body as well. Sukhwinder Singh was also injured. Respondent No. 1 fled from the spot leaving the vehicle behind. FIR was lodged regarding the accident.
(3.) THE matter was heard ex parte against respondent No. 1. Respondent No. 2 filed a reply alleging that the petition was not maintainable and that it was based on false facts. It was denied that any accident had taken place and that Balram Singh had died on account of the accident with the bus in question. The liability was entirely denied.;