(1.) A Family Benefit Scheme (hereinafter referred to as the 'FBS') was started for the doctor members of All India Ophthalmology Society (hereinafter referred to as the 'AIOS'). The case of the Complainant was that her husband Dr. Bhujang Rao (since deceased) was granted provisional membership of the FBS-AIOS scheme, subject to the ratification of general body of AIOS. Dr.Bhujang Rao initially paid Rs.30,000.00 and then on 9/1/2007 also paid Rs.4,900.00 towards admission and life membership fee. His membership was ratified on 2/2/2007 thereafter as per the terms and conditions of scheme, he would complete one year of membership by 1/2/2008. However, unfortunately Dr. Bhujang Rao expired within a year i.e. on 21/12/2007. The Complainants informed the Secretary AIOS about the death and claimed the benefits under the FBS-AIOS scheme. However, the claim was repudiated on 26/2/2009 on the ground that Dr. Bhujang Rao did not complete one year of continuous membership and, therefore, the amount of Rs.30,000.00 deposited by the deceased would be sent back to the Complainants. Being aggrieved by the deficiency of the Opposite Parties, the Complainants filed a Consumer Complaint before the District Forum, Srikakulam and prayed Rs.15.00 lakh as covered FBS-AIOS with 18% interest.
(2.) Th Opposite Parties filed their reply and denied the allegations. It was submitted that AIOS and FBS-AIOS are two different entities having separate headquarters. As per the terms and conditions of scheme the claim was repudiated.
(3.) The District Forum allowed the Complaint and directed the Opposite Parties to pay Rs.15.00 lakh jointly and severally to the Complainants (Rs.5.00 lakh to each complainant) along with Rs.2000.00as legal expenses and Rs.1000.00 towards fee of advocate.