LIC OF INDIA Vs. SARITA PRADHAN

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The Phulbani District Forum by order dated 30.9.2005 made in C.D. Case No. 47 of 2003 directed the LIC of India to pay the sum assured amounting to Rs. 1,00,000 together with interest at the rate of 9 per cent per annum from the date of filing of the complaint to the claimant-Sarita Pradhan. Being aggrieved by the said order the LIC has filed First Appeal No. 274 of 2006. The complainant - Sarita Pradhan has filed First Appeal No. 658 of 2006 contending that the District Forum should have granted compensation. Both appeals being analogous they were heard together and are disposed of by this common order.

(2.) We have heard Mr. Barik for the LIC and Mr. Mohapatra for the claimant-Sarita Pradhan.

(3.) There is no dispute that the complainant is the widow of Bhimsen Pradhan who was a teacher. He had taken two LIC policies for Rs. 50,000 each under the salary savings scheme. The Block Development Officer, Tikabali was his drawing and disbursing officer. The monthly premiums of both the policies were deducted from December, 1998 to January 2000 and from April, 2001 to July 2001. Thereafter no deduction was made. On account of non-payment of the premiums the policies were in a lapsed condition.