JUDGMENT (Surjit Singh, J.) (Oral) - Appellant, National Insurance Company, is aggrieved by the award, dated 14.10.1999, passed by the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal, whereby allowing a petition, under Section 163-A of the Motor Vehicles Act, filed by respondents Sushma Devi and others, dependents of deceased Suram Singh, a sum of Rs. 2,81,500/- together with interest has been awarded as compensation and the appellant has been ordered to pay the aforesaid amount of money together with interest. 2.Admitted facts are that deceased Suram Singh was employed as a driver by respondents M/s. Guru Travel,s to drive their car No. DL-IV-1743. While driving that car, Suram Singh (deceased), died in accident of that car, on 5.3.1996. Petition was filed, under Section 163-A Motor Vehicles Act by dependents of Suram Singh, claiming compensation. It was alleged that Suram Singh’s monthly income was to the tune of Rs. 3000/- and that his age was 25 years. Prayer was opposed by the present appellant inter alia on the ground that Suram Singh himself was responsible for causing the accident and, hence, his dependents were not entitled to any compensation. 3.The only ground, on which the award has been challenged in the present appeal, is that Suram Singh himself being negligent and the accident having taken place because of his negligence, his dependents are not entitled to any compensation. 4.We have heard the learned Counsel for the appellant as also the learned Counsel representing the respondents. 5.A Division Bench of this Court in Smt. Kokla Devi vs. Chet Ram and another, 2002(1) SLC 204 : 2002(2) Cur.L.J. (H.P.) D.B. 268 has held that a person, on account of whose negligence accident takes place, is also entitled to compensation and that in case that person dies, his dependents can seek compensation, by pressing into service the provision of Section 163-A of the Motor Vehicles Act. 6.Hon’ble Supreme Court in Deepal Girishbhai Soni and others v. United India Insurance Company Limited, 2004(5) SCC 385 (para 66) has held that Section 163-A of the Motor Vehicles Act covers cases where even the negligence is on the part of the victim. In view of this categorical declaration of law by the Hon’ble Supreme Court, contention raised on behalf of the appellant cannot be accepted. Consequently, the appeal is dismissed. Appeal stands disposed of. M.R.B. ———————