LAWS(NCD)-2018-1-105

SANJAY KUMAR Vs. RELIANCE GENERAL INSURANCE & ORS.

Decided On January 05, 2018
SANJAY KUMAR Appellant
V/S
Reliance General Insurance And Ors. Respondents

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The complainant, Sanjay Kumar, insured his Tavera Car from Reliance General Insurance Company, the OP1 on 18-03-2008 for the period of one year till 17-03-2009. The vehicle met with an accident on 29-03-2008 near village-Rai, District-Sonepat. On next day, FIR was registered in Police Station-Rai. The vehicle was badly damaged and the information of accident was also given to the opposite parties. Thereafter, the complainant got repaired the vehicle from M/s. Aryaman Automobile at Karnal (OP2) and paid a sum of Rs.1,82,165/-. The complainant submitted the claim forms with the OP-insurance company along with the documents but the claim was repudiated by OP after investigation vide letter dated 02-07-2008 without any reason. Therefore, the complainant filed a complaint before the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum, Karnal (for short, "the District Forum") seeking direction to pay Rs.1,82,165/- and Rs.50,000/- towards mental agony and litigation expenses along with interest.

(2.) The OPs appeared and filed their written statement and denied the deficiency in service. OP1 stated that, the complainant has violated terms And conditions of the policy as the vehicle was being used for commercial purpose. The driver was not holding a valid driving license. The OP Nos.2 to 4 have filed their separate written version and stated that the complaint was not legally maintainable against them. They are associates for issuance of new insurance cover and renewal. The vehicle was for personal use, but in the FIR it was clearly mentioned that, he was carrying a Barat from Gharonda to Palwal.

(3.) The District Forum on perusal of documents, the investigation report and the evidence partly allowed the complaint and directed the OP to settle the claim on non-standard basis i.e.75% of the value of the vehicle. Being aggrieved the complainant and the insurance company filed cross appeals before the State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, Haryana (for short, "the State Commission"). The State Commission held that the complainant was using vehicle for commercial purpose. Therefore, allowed the appeal filed by OP and dismissed the complaint. The appeal for enhancement of compensation filed by the complainant was dismissed. Being aggrieved by the impugned order the complainant filed this revision petition.