DATE OF FILING : 13.1.2017

IN THE CONSUMER DISPUTES  REDRESSAL FORUM, IDUKKI

Dated this the  30th  day of  June,  2017

Present :

SRI. S. GOPAKUMAR PRESIDENT

          SRI. BENNY. K. MEMBER

CC NO.10/2017

Between

Complainant       :    Vijayamma, W/o. Karunakaran,

Puthenveettil ,

Koottar P.O.,

Kallar, Idukki – 685 552.

And

Opposite Party                                          :    The Branch Manager,

The Reliance Life Insurance

(Anil Dirubhai Ambani Group),

Pala, Kottayam.

 

O R D E R

SRI. BENNY. K., MEMBER

The complainant took  an insurance policy  from the opposite party. The opposite party convinced her  about the advantage of the policy as per assurance complainant signed the proposal form and paid Rs.10000/-  as yearly premium.  In the next year the complainant approached the opposite party for remitting the premium amount then only  she came to know that the Nedukandam office was closed and shifted to  Pala.  Complainant tried to conduct in Pala address, but no reply .  Hence the complainant approached before the Forum for  refund  the amount  paid with  interest and compensation.

2.  Inspite of the notice from the Forum opposite party was not turned up or filed any  written version  hence set exparte.

3.    The point for consideration is whether there  is  any deficiency in service on the part of opposite party and if so  for what  relief  the complainant is entitled to ? 

4.   The complainant  examined as  PW1 and  Exts.P1 & P2 marked. Opposite party  set exparte.

5.  The POINT :- The complainant availed  an insurance policy  from the opposite party. By  knowing all the advantage of the policy she 

(cont....2)

-  2  -

remitted Rs.10000/-  as 1st  year  premium.    But in the next year  she came to remit  the 2nd year premium and then only  she came to know that the Nedukandam branch  was closed and it was shifted to  Pala.  The complainant tried to conduct the opposite party but no reply .    Without informing the policy holders shifting the office is  clear deficiency in service.  Hence  the complainant approached before the Forum for getting back the deposited insurance premium.

We the Forum find that without informing the policy holders, shifting  or closing down the office is a  clear unfair trade practice.  The  complainant has to suffer severe mental and financial  hardship which is also to be compensated.  Inspite of the notice from the Forum opposite party never turned up or adduced any evidence and has no contention  against  the allegation of the complainant.

 

Hence the complaint allowed.  The opposite party is directed to pay an amount of Rs.10000/- to the complainant, which is the premium amount paid, and also directed to pay Rs.5000/- as litigation cost, within 30 days of receipt of a copy of this order, failing which the amount shall carry 12% interest per annum from the date of default, till its realisation.

      Pronounced in the Open Forum on this the 30th day of June, 2017

 

Sd/-

SRI. BENNY. K., MEMBER

 

 

Sd/-

    SRI. S. GOPAKUMAR, PRESIDENT

               

 

 

 

  (cont....3)

-  3  -

APPENDIX

 

Depositions :

On the side of the Complainant :

PW1               -    Vijayamma.

On the side of the Opposite Party :

Nil.

Exhibits :

On the side of the Complainant :

Ext.P1            -  Letter issued to the opposite party.

Ext.P2            -  Policy Document.

On the side of the Opposite Party :

Nil.

 

 

            Forwarded by Order,

 

 

    SENIOR SUPERINTENDENT