M.N. SANKARAN Vs. UNIT TRUST OF INDIA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The Revision Petitioner/Complainant had invested in the Unit Link Insurance Policy a total of Rs. 60,000/- over ten years, Rs. 3,000/- every six months. Going by the projections of the Respondent UTI, he had expected his investment to grow to Rs. 1,23,0001- under the plan. However, the maturity value eventually received was substantially less and hence the consumer complaint before the District Consumer Forum, Madurai.

(2.) Adopting the logic that even if a similar investment had been made in a recurring deposit with a Bank, instead of the ULIP, it would have grown to Rs. 96,000/- the District Forum directed the UTI to pay the difference of Rs. 19,280/- with bonus and interest of 12% till the date of payment. Besides, compensation and costs were also awarded.

(3.) In the appeal against this order, the State Commission accepted the plea of the UTI that the growth projected at the time of inviting applications was only an "indicative figure". There was no assurance to pay the indicative amount at maturity. The order of the District Forum was therefore, set aside by the State Commission.