Awards Rs 30,000 compensation to complainant for mental agony
Baramulla, February 18: The District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, (DCDRC) Baramulla, has ruled in favor of a local complainant, Mohammad Abdullah Hakim, in a case against MetLife Insurance, directing the company to either renew his lapsed insurance policy or refund the deposited amount with interest.
The case, filed by the complainant on December 18, 2024, highlighted his inability to continue paying premiums due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Despite multiple approaches to MetLife for policy renewal or refund, no action was taken, leading to the consumer complaint.
The Commission, presided over by Peerzada Qousar Hussain (President) and Nyla Yaseen (Member), ruled that the insurer was obligated under IRDA guidelines to provide grace periods and communicate revival options to policyholders, especially during the Covid-19 period.
It cited a National Consumer Commission ruling emphasizing insurers’ responsibility to accept premiums and facilitate policy continuation during the pandemic.
In its verdict, the Commission directed MetLife Insurance to either renew the policy upon payment of pending premiums or refund the deposited amount. Additionally, a compensation of Rs 30,000 was awarded to the complainant for mental agony and harassment caused due to non-compliance with IRDA norms.
The company has been instructed to comply with the order within four weeks of receiving the copy of the judgment.
