Ins co to pay Rs 20K for issuing policy with different terms

The Central District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum also observed that the insurance firm had refunded the premium amount received from the complainant after he had filed a complaint.

"From the pleadings and undisputed evidence of the complainant, we find that the complaint has got merit. The insurance company issued the policy with terms and conditions, which were different from the terms and conditions told to the complainant.

"We believe in the case of the complainant. The insurance company returned the amount after filing of the complaint. It had enough time before filing of the complaint to refund the amount as the complainant made several oral requests and also sent letters, representations and legal notice etc as pleaded," the bench presided by B B Chaudhary said.

It directed Max New York Life to pay Rs 15,000 as damages and Rs 5,000 as litigation cost to the complainant.

The forum's order came on the plea of Delhi resident Krishan Lal Nagpal who had alleged that the insurance firm had issued him a policy which had terms and conditions different from what was told to him by its agent.

Nagpal had applied for an insurance policy in the name of his grandson for a period of five years, but he was issued a policy for a period of 10 years instead, he had alleged.

The insurance firm was proceeded against ex-parte as no one appeared on its behalf despite the notice issued to it.