UNITED INDIA INSURANCE CO. LTD. Vs. NARESH BEDI

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Sh. Naresh Bedi/Complainant filed a Consumer Complaint before District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum, New Delhi (for short, 'District Forum') in year 2005 on the grounds, that he is owner of vehicle Scorpio bearing registration no.DL-4CP-5706. This vehicle was insured with United Indian Insurance Co. Ltd./Opposite Party for a sum of Rs.3,90,000/- for the period from 07.08.2004 to 06.08.2005. It is stated, that this vehicle was stolen on 23.08.2004. Police case was registered and insurance company was informed through fax on 24.08.2004. Thereafter, claim was lodged with the insurance company. It is the case of complainant, that he gave all the required information including untrace report to the insurance company. Instead of settling the claim, insurance company harassed him unnecessarily. Thereafter, complaint was filed praying that insurance company be directed to pay a sum of Rs.3,90,000/- being the insurance claim on account of theft of the vehicle and Rs.1,10,000/- by way of damages suffered on account of non-payment of insurance claim, along with interest @ 12% per annum from 23.08.2004 till payment besides costs.

(2.) The complaint was resisted by the insurance company, which in its reply took the plea that there is no deficiency on its part as complainant did not provide the final closure report under Section 173 Cr. P.C. which is essential for deciding the claim.

(3.) District Forum vide order dated 07.09.2007, allowed the complaint and passed following directions;