(1.) Smt. Damni, the complainant, is the wife of late Bhawani, who was posted as driver at Korea Colliery under respondents No. 2 and 3 of SECL, Chirmiri Region, who have been arrayed as OPs 2 and 3. In the year 1999, late Bhawani was insured by the Oriental Insurance Company Ltd. The policy provides that a sum of Rs.5 lakh would be given to the wife of the insured if the death of the insured is an accidental death. A sum of Rs.484/- was deducted from the salary of late Bhawani for the months of August, and September. The said amount was sent to the insurance company.
(2.) Unfortunately, Shri Bhawani passed away on 14.12.1999 at Regional Hospital due to accident caused on 12.12.1999. The post mortem report reveals that the death of the deceased was caused due to accident. The complainant submitted a claim vide application dated 8.1.2000. The payment was delayed, therefore, the complainant further applied on 20.1.2000 before the Branch Manager of the Oriental Insurance Company Ltd., Ambikapur. The insurance company indulged in delaying the matter and asked her to approach OP 2. She submitted all the necessary documents in the office of respondent No. 2 on 10.6.2000. She submitted another application dated 21.6.2001. Thereafter, the complainant went to her native place situated at Village Palyama District Ganjam, Odhisha where she fell sick and remained under the regular treatment of doctor. When the health of the complainant/respondent No. 1 improved, she again approached the office of respondent No. 2 on 21.12.2012 for the payment of insurance claim. OP asked her again to send another application before the insurance company. This time, she sent the record through registered post on 29.12.2012. The insurance company repudiated her claim vide order dated 7.1.2013.
(3.) Consequently, she filed a complaint. The OP 1 denied this liability on the ground that the claim made by the complainant is barred by time. It also contended that the policy of the insured was revoked and the complainant is not entitled to any claim.