In a recent development, the state consumer commission has upheld the order of the district commission, directing HDFC Standard Life Insurance Co. Ltd. to provide compensation to a widow. The widow, Savitri Vijay Bhosle, had filed a complaint against the insurance company after her claim for insurance benefits was rejected following the demise of her husband, Vijay Bhosle. Free Press Journal reported that the state consumer commission's decision comes as a significant victory for Savitri Bhosle in her legal battle against HDFC Standard.
Allegations and Challenging the Order
HDFC Standard had challenged the district commission's order, alleging that Vijay Bhosle, the insured individual, had concealed important information about his occupation, income, and alcohol consumption. The insurance company argued that based on these alleged discrepancies, the claim for insurance benefits should be denied. However, the state consumer commission found HDFC's claims unsubstantiated and deemed them insufficient to reject the widow's claim.
State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission's Ruling
The order, dated May 18, was issued by Justice S. P. Tavade (President) and S. T. Barne (Judicial Member) of the State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (SCDRC). The ruling was in response to HDFC Standard Life Insurance Co. Ltd.'s appeal against the district consumer commission's favorable decision for Savitri Bhosle, who hails from Kolhapur.
Insurance Policy and Unfortunate Demise
Vijay Bhosle had taken out an insurance policy named 'HDFC Life Click 2 Protect Plan' in May 2013. The policy had a sum assured of ₹15 lakhs and a duration of 20 years. HDFC Standard approved the policy and issued it to Mr. Bhosle. Over the years, Vijay Bhosle had diligently paid an annual premium of ₹5,721. Tragically, he passed away in November 2013 due to a severe heart attack, leaving his wife, Savitri Bhosle, to pursue the insurance claim.
Rejection and District Commission's Ruling
Upon filing the insurance claim after her husband's demise, Savitri Bhosle faced disappointment as HDFC Standard rejected her claim. Dissatisfied with this decision, she approached the district consumer commission seeking justice. The district commission ruled in favor of the widow, directing HDFC Standard to compensate her with ₹15 lakhs, along with nine percent interest, and an additional ₹15,000 for mental agony and litigation costs.
Arguments and Dismissal of Appeal
HDFC Standard, in its appeal, contested the district consumer commission's order, claiming that Vijay Bhosle had provided inaccurate information regarding his salary and alcohol consumption. However, the state consumer commission scrutinized the evidence and concluded that HDFC had failed to provide substantial proof to support their claims about the deceased's occupation, income, and drinking habits. The commission further noted that the investigator's report, relied upon by HDFC, did not include any certification from the treating doctor indicating Vijay Bhosle's alleged habitual alcoholism. Consequently, the appeal was dismissed, upholding the district commission's ruling in favor of Savitri Bhosle.
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