Insurance firm told to refund Rs 50K

CHANDIGARH: UT district consumer disputes redressal forum has directed Aviva Life Insurance to refund Rs 50,000 to the complainant along with Rs 10,000 compensation. The complainant, Surinder Kaur, a resident of Mohali alleged that she got a policy for Rs 50,000 issued from the respondents. As per the terms and condition, the refund could be claimed within the free look period of 15 days. The complainant requested the respondents to refund the amount within this period and returned the original policy to them. After several requests, the complainant received a letter on December 20, 2008, intimating that a cheque for Rs 49,950 had been issued in her favour. The complainant alleged she never received the cheque.

Initially, an advocate appeared on behalf of the respondents and the case was fixed for their reply and evidence. However, when no one turned up from the respondents? side the court started ex parte proceedings against them.

Forum stated that the complainant has not received the cheque sent by Axis Bank and the respondents have not responded to the notice issued to them, which proves that the cheque in question has not been credited to the complainant?s account. It seems that the respondents are well aware of the fact that the amount had been encashed by a third party, forum added.

Forum directed the respondents to refund Rs 50,000 to the complainant along with an interest of 12% per annum along with Rs 10,000 as compensation for harassment and the costs of litigation.

Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com