DISTRICT CONSUMER DISPUTES REDRESSAL FORUM, JHARSUGUDA

CONSUMER COMPLAINT CASE No. 80 OF 2016

Dolamani Debta (65 yrs),(Retired Headmaster),

S/O. Late Tankadhar Debta,

RO: (Permanent): Topa (Khaliapali), PS/via- Attabira,

Dist- Bargarh (Odisha).

At Present residing as a Vanaprastee at Arya Samaj,

N.Guha Lane, Dist- Sambalpur (Odisha)  ………….……..………………Complainant.

Versus

1. Branch Manager,

Life Insurance Corporation, Jharsuguda Branch,

Jharsuguda, Odisha.

2. Branch Manager,

Life Insurance Corporation, Sundargarh Branch,

Sundargarh, Odisha …….…………………………….…………..Opp. Parties.

Counsel for the Parties:-

For the Complainant                                       Self.

For the Opp. Parties                                       Shri B.N.Dutta, Adv & Associates.

Date of Order: 27.12.2016

Present

                                                  1. Shri S.L.Behera, President.

                                                  2. Shri S. K. Ojha, Member.

Shri S. K. Ojha, Member : - This is the case filed by the complainant, as the O.Ps. have not credited/paid the 04 numbers of premium amounts to the complainant at the time of maturity and up to yet even after repeated approaches. 

In brief, the complaint case is that, the complainant has insured himself with the O.P.No.1 during his service period. The premium amount was Rs. 332/- only deducted from his salary per month. On maturity of the policy the Sum Assured was paid to the complainant except the premiums of 04 months i.e. for the months of 7/2008, 8/2008, 9/2008 and 11/2008, in total Rs. 1328/- only. After receiving the maturity amount the complainant requested several times through written requests by personal visits to both the O.Ps but no result came out except assurances. Finding no other way the complainant filed this case for relief.

On behalf of the O.Ps. the Administrative Officer, L&HPF Department, LIC of India, Divisional Office, Sambalpur appeared through their counsel Shri Biswanath Dutta and filed a Memo on the ground that, ‘The O.P. LIC of India ready to pay the premium amount’.

The memo filed by the O.Ps treaded as Written Statement which admitting the dispute lies only on 04 numbers of premiums and agreed to pay the said left premiums amount. Proceeded towards hearing of the matter by the parties.

The matter was heard in length from both the parties and gone thoroughly on case record with materials available.  It was not disputed that the complainant had taken insurance policy bearing No. 591346321 from the O.Ps having monthly premium of Rs. 332/- only. The said policy commenced from dtd. 28.03.2001 and matured on 03/2011. It is also not disputed that the premium amounts of 04 months i.e for the months of 7/2008, 8/2008, 9/2008 and 11/2008, in total Rs. 1328/- only were unpaid by the O.Ps rather at this stage, after repeated approaches, requests and personal visits since the year 2011. So also after filing of this case before this Hon’ble Forum, the O.Ps just agreed to pay the left premium amounts only.

There is dispute for mere amount of Rs.1328/- only, but it matters, where any senior citizen after his/her retirement runs continuously before the offices keeping great faiths. But they do not get their own hard earned money except assurances. At such circumstance transportation costs can only be countable but harassments, repeated failure in obtaining their works by visiting office to office, such mental tortures cannot be countable. The exact circumstance happened with the present complainant.

The above mentioned casual and negligent activities / attitudes performed by the O.Ps reflects commitment of gross deficiency in service and unfair trade practice towards the complainant. Hence, we are in considered opinion to allow the complaint petition of the complainant with following directions to the O.Ps in the form of order.

ORDER

1. The Administrative Officer, L & HPF Department, LIC of India, Divisional Office, Sambalpur who appeared on behalf of O.P.No. 1 & 2  is hereby directed to pay Rs.1328/- (Rupees one thousand three hundred twenty eight) only to the complainant towards left premium amounts.
2. The Administrative Officer, L & HPF Department, LIC of India, Divisional Office, Sambalpur who appeared on behalf of O.P.No. 1 & 2  is hereby further directed to pay a sum of Rs. 5,000/- (Rupees five thousand) only  to the complainant towards harassment, mental agony and cost of the case.
3. The abovementioned orders shall be carried out within 30 (thirty) days from the date of receipt of this order, failing which the Administrative Officer, L & HPF Department, LIC of India, Divisional Office, Sambalpur who appeared on behalf of O.P.No. 1 & 2  shall be liable for interest @10% on above mentioned amounts till its realization.

Accordingly the case is disposed of.

Order pronounced in the open court today on this the 27^th day of December’ 2016, copy of this order shall be communicated to the parties as per rule.

                                                                         I Agree,

                                                                    S.L.Behra, President         S.K.Ojha, Member

Dictated and corrected by me,

                                                                                          S.K.Ojha, Member