Himachal Pradesh State Commission Holds Oriental Insurance Co. Liable For Wrongful Repudiation Of Genuine Claim

The H. P. State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, Shimla, held Oriental Insurance Company liable for denying a legitimate claim on the basis of leased property ownership. Despite the property being leased, the Commission found the Complainant retained insurable interest as the policyholder. \r

The lease agreement didn't alter ownership or insurance rights. While acknowledging a potentially inflated claim, the Commission deemed the Insurance Company's surveyor's assessment of Rs. 1,35,846/- reasonable. Consequently, the Commission ordered the Insurance Company to pay the assessed amount to the Complainant along with 9% interest per annum from the complaint's filing date. \r

Moreover, a compensation of Rs. 50,000/- and litigation charges of Rs. 20,000/- were awarded to the Complainant.