THE HON’BLE SRI JUSTICE K.S.APPA RAO C.M.A.No.3424 of 2003 JUDGMENT: This civil miscellaneous appeal is preferred by the appellants aggrieved by the order and decree dated 12.03.2003 in O.P.No.461 of 1997 on the file of the Chairman, Motor Accidents Claims Tribunal- cum-District Judge, Anantapur. The brief facts of the case are as follows: On 11.07.1997 at about 9.30 P.M., the deceased and others were travelling in a Tata Sumo Jeep bearing No.AP 21 D 45 near Maddalapalli village on Anantapur Tadpatri road, the bus bearing No.AP 9 Z 994 came in opposite direction rashly and negligently and dashed against the jeep, as a result, the jeep turned turtle on the road side margin and all the occupants of the jeep died on the spot. Respondents 1 to 3 filed separate counters denying the petition averments. After appreciating the evidence on record, the learned Judge, granted compensation of Rs.1,00,000/- with interest at 9% per annum from the date of award till the date of realisation. Aggrieved over the interest, the present appeal is filed. Learned counsel for the appellants mainly argued that the Tribunal has awarded the interest at 9% per annum from the date of the award instead from the date of petition. The respondents though served notice, none appeared on their behalf and no representation is made. Now, the point for consideration is whether the petitioners are entitled for interest from the date of petition. As seen from the impugned order, the learned Judge while holding that respondents 2 and 3 are jointly and severally liable to pay the compensation to the 2nd petitioner, granted interest @ 9% per annum from the date of award till realisation. In a catena of decisions, it was held that the interest on the award of compensation should be from the date of petition and not from the date of award. In my considered view, the Tribunal without assigning any reasons, awarded the interest from the date of the award, which is erroneous. Hence, the amount of compensation awarded by the Tribunal shall carry interest @ 9% per annum from the date of petition, not from the date of award. With the above modification, the appeal is allowed. No order as to costs. __________________ K.S.APPA RAO,J 3rd March, 2011 Note: CC in one week (B/o) PNV