Petitioner got his motorcycle insured for Rs.17,000/- from the respondent which was later on stolen.  Petitioner lodged a claim with the insurance company, but the insurance company failed to settle the same.   Aggrieved by this, petitioner filed a complaint before the District Forum.

-2-

          District Forum allowed the complaint and directed the respondent to pay compensation of Rs.17,000/- but without any interest. 

          Petitioner filed an appeal before the State Commission seeking interest on the sum of Rs.17,000/- awarded by the District Forum.  The State Commission misunderstanding the prayer to be that the petitioner was seeking enhancement of compensation (which was not the prayer of the petitioner) dismissed the appeal.

          Limited notice with regard to interest was issued to the respondent.  Mr. A. K. De, Advocate has put in appearance on behalf of the respondent and accepts notice.

          District Forum has not given any reasons for denying the interest on the awarded amount.  The State Commission has not dealt with the same.  Invariably, we have been granting interest for any delay in payment of the amount due.  Accordingly, we allow the

-3-

revision petition and direct the respondent to pay interest @ 9% p.a. on the awarded amount from the date of filing of the complaint till realization.