SATWANT SINGH Vs. UNITED INDIA INSURANCE

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This revision petition has been filed by the petitioner against the order dated 6.7.2015 passed by the Punjab State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, Chandigarh (in short, 'the State Commission') in Appeal No. 424/2012 - United India Insurance Co. Ltd. v. Satwant Singh by which, appeal was allowed.

(2.) Brief facts of the case are that Complainant/petitioner got his car bearing registration No. PB-02-AN-0224, insured from OP/Respondent for the period from 18.12009 to 17.12010 by paying the premium of Rs.11,469/-. The said vehicle met with an accident on 30.5.2010 at Jandiala and an intimation regarding the loss caused to the vehicle was given to the OP. The surveyor appointed by the OP directed the complainant to take the vehicle for repair to the authorised service centre of Honda Company; Prestige Honda M/s. Lally Motors. The vehicle was repaired by the said authorised service centre at the cost of Rs.1,81,000/- plus Rs.11,000/- for other charges. The OP did not make the payment despite the fact that it was a cashless policy; so, the complainant made the payment to the repairer. He time and again approached the OP to make the payment of Rs.1,92,800/- but the OP put off the matter on one pretext or the other. Alleging deficiency on the part of OP, complainant filed complaint before District Forum. OP resisted complaint and submitted that Insurance policy in question was in the name of one commercial concern namely M/s. Singh Brothers having office at 223-224, City Shopping Complex, Ranjit Avenue, Amritsar, who was not the registered owner of the vehicle. Surveyor was appointed by the OP to investigate the matter of accident of the car Honda City bearing Regd. No. PB-02-AN-0224 and to assess the loss caused in the alleged accident. The insured had sold the car to someone else on 24.2007. Therefore, the insured had no insurable interest in the insurance policy of said car. The insured and the purchaser of the car had not intimated the OP within stipulated period regarding the transfer of title of the car nor have they made any request to change the name of the insured. Resultantly, the claim of the complainant was repudiated as 'No Claim' by the OP vide letter dated 18.11.2010. Denying any deficiency on their part, prayed for dismissal of complaint. Learned District Forum after hearing both the parties, allowed complaint and directed OP to pay Rs.192,800/- as repair charges with 9% p.a. interest along with litigation cost of Rs.2,000/-. Appeal filed by OP was allowed by learned State Commission vide impugned order against which, this revision petition has been filed along with application for condonation of delay.

(3.) Heard learned Counsel for the petitioner and perused record.