ORIENTAL INSURANCE CO LTD Vs. MADAN SINGH VERMA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This appeal under Sec.15 of the Consumer Protection Act, 1986 is directed against the order dated 19.11.2003 in Complaint No.77/2003 by the District Consumer Dispute Redressal Forum, Durg (hereinafter called 'distt. Forum' for short) directing the appellant to pay a sum of Rs.2,50,000/- with interest @ 6% per annum under the policy as also compensation and cost of the complaint.

(2.) Undisputedly, the complainant/respondent obtained a Group Janta Personal Accident Insurance Policy (hereinafter called as the 'janta Policy' for short) 152501/47/99/00176 for the period from 9.1.1999 to 8.1.2011 as a member of Steel Workers' Union, Bhilai for assured sum of Rs.5 lacs. Policy document was issued in favour of the insured Madan Singh Verma. The premium of the said policy was duly paid by deduction from the salary of the appellant. It was stipulated that 50% of the assured sum was payable on account of loss of eye, leg or hand in an accident. It is also not in dispute that the complainant while working in the Steel Plant, met with an accident and his right hand was crushed in the roller in the wire rod mill. As a result of the said accident, the right hand of the insured had to be amputated.

(3.) The complainant, in his complaint claimed that he was entitled to 50% of the assured amount of Rs.5.00 lacs i. e. , the sum of Rs.2.50 lacs on account of loss of his right hand in the accident.