M.P. STATE MINOR FOREST PRODUCE TRADING & DEVELOPMENT CO-OP. FED. LTD. Vs. UNITED INDIA INSURANCE CO. LTD.

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The complainant is a co-operative society registered under M.P. Co-operative Societies Act, 1960. The complainant is engaged in the business of trading of various products on behalf of the State government which includes the storing/godowning of Tendu Patta plucking and collecting from the forest of M.P.

(2.) The complainant in order to secure the risk of loss to Tendu Patta stored in various godowns in M.P., obtained an insurance policy including fire policy for a sum of Rs.90.13 crores. The policy was effective from 24.5.200 to 23.5.2001. The said policy covered the stock of Tendu Patta packets in Gunny bags, loose packets, empty Gunny bags and all such other goods pertaining to the trade of the complainant or holding in trust or commissioned stored or lying in the building of first class construction. The Tendu Patta stored in District Union Dindori Godown.

(3.) On 31.8.2000 at about 10.30 a fire took place in the godown of the complainant at Dindori resulting in destruction of Tendu Patta worth Rs.96,37,214/-. The matter was reported to the police and the FIR was registered. The opposite party was also informed and claim of Rs.96,37,214/- was filed. The opposite party, however, failed to settle the claim despite of several letters written in this regard. Being aggrieved of the failure of the opposite party to settle the claim, the complainant raised a consumer dispute seeking direction to the opposite party to pay to the complainant a sum of Rs.96,37,214/- as compensation on account of loss caused due to fire including fire brigade charges and salvage expenses with 20% interest thereon till the realization of the claim amount.