MANOJ JINDAL Vs. UNITED INDIA INSURANCE CO LTD

JUDGEMENT

(1.) These two appeals arise from the common order dated 12th April, 1996, passed by the State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, Delhi. Brief facts of the case are that the complainant, Mrs. Manoj Jindal purchased a bus bearing Registration No. DL- IP-2140. The bus was comprehensively insured with the United India Insurance Co. Ltd. The estimated value of the bus at the time of insurance was Rs. 5 lakhs. The bus was stolen on 14th October, 1993. A report was lodged with the Police. The complainant lodged a claim with the Insurance Company on 20th October, 1993. The Police gave an untraced report dated 3.3.1994. As the claim was not settled, the complainant instituted a complaint before the State Commission on 18th May, 1995. The complaint was contested on behalf of the Insurance Company mainly on the ground that the claim made by the complainant was exaggerated. It was stated that the claim was settled on total loss basis and the amount of compensation offered was Rs. 3,33,500/- which was not accepted by the complainant.

(2.) On the basis of the material placed on record, the State Commission allowed the complaint and directed the Insurance Company to pay Rs. 4,50,000/- with interest at the rate of 18% p.a. from 1.1.1994.

(3.) Aggrieved by the Order of the State Commission, the complainant as well as the Insurance Company has filed the appeals. First Appeal No. 308 of 1996