POSTAL LIFE INSURANCE & ANR Vs. ABULI KHAN

JUDGEMENT

(1.) THIS appeal is by the appellants, who were O.P. Nos. 1 and 2 before the District Forum, Bhadrak challenging the order dated 26.8.1999 passed by the District Forum in C.D. Case No. 43 of 1999 by which the complaint of the complainant/respondent was allowed against the appellant in the manner appellant was directed to settle the insurance claim of the complainant/respondent within 60 days from the date of receipt of this order. The settled claim shall carry interest @ 12% p.a. from the date of maturity till date of payment to the complainant/respondent. The O.P. No. 3 B.D.O., Bhadrak was directed to assist the complainant/respondent in submission of application form, policy and other pay particulars, if any, to O.P. No. 1 as quickly as possible. O.P. Nos. 1 and 2 are directed to pay compensation and cost of Rs. 500 in all jointly and severally to complainant for causing harassment and mental agony within the aforesaid period of 60 days.

(2.) IT arises in following circumstances:

(3.) THAT the complainant/respondent had filed a complaint against the appellants before the District Forum, Bhadrak inter alia stating that complainant a retired peon in Block Office had obtained one P.L.I. policy bearing No. 241083 -C dated 20.2.1979, during his service career. The maturity value of the said policy was Rs. 4,000. O.P. No. 3 -B.D.O. requested O.P. No. 1 to make payment of the maturity value with bonus. But O.P. No. 1 did not respond. Complainant, therefore, prayed for direction for payment of matured amount of Rs. 4,000 along with bonus and interest @ 20% p.a. till the date of payment. Further he claimed Rs. 3,000 for cost as well as compensation of Rs. 2,000 for harassment.