NATIONAL INSURANCE CO LTD Vs. PAWAN KUMAR

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Heard Mr. N.S. Ruprah, learned counsel for the appellant.

(2.) The appeal is at the behest of the National Insurance Co. Ltd., against the award dated 10.5.1999 passed by the 1st Addl. Motor Accidents Claims Tribunal, Rajnandgaon, in Claim Case No. 47 of 1994. Learned counsel for the appellant submitted that the vehicle in question at the relevant point of time, was not insured and he invited our attention to para 4 of the award wherein it is stated that the insurance premium of Rs. 7,032 was paid by cheque on 30.9.1993 and the policy was issued, which was effective from 1.10.93 to 30.9.1994. But the said cheque, by which the premium amount was paid, was dishonoured by the bank, and was returned on 12.10.93. In para 4 of the award, the date 1.10.1993 is wrongly mentioned and since the cheque was dishonoured, the policy did not remain in force. He stated that a communication was also made to the policyholder on 12.10.93 that the cheque has been dishonoured and policy is cancelled.

(3.) The Claims Tribunal considered the aspect of the matter on merit. The insurance company examined its officer Sitaram Nagmore as witness, who stated before the Claims Tribunal that an intimation was given to the policyholder by a registered post. He also made a statement that the communication was made to the policyholder about dishonour of the cheque which is clear from the letter, Exh. D-2, which was on the file of the insurance company. The Claims Tribunal recorded the finding that it has not been established that the communication regarding dishonour of the cheque was given to the policyholder.