Question

Rishabh purchased a car for ₹ 8,00,000. He insured the car on the same day from Alex Insurance Company. Rishabh’s car was stolen in Kedwan while he was on vacation with his family. He promptly filed a First Information Report (FIR), informed the insurer and submitted all the required documents.

To Rishabh’s shock, the insurance company rejected his claim, alleging he had failed to take due care and had parked the car in an unsafe manner. Determined to challenge this, Rishabh wrote multiple letters to the insurance company, but the insurance company refused to pay the compensation.

Rishabh filed a case with District Commission. The District Commission was satisfied with the genuineness of the complaint and ordered the insurance company to pay a reasonable amount.

Identify and explain two consumer rights which have been exercised by Rishabh.

Answer 1

1. Right to Redressal (Right to seek consumer redressal): When the insurer refused his claim, Rishabh filed a complaint with the District Consumer Commission and pursued the matter until the Commission ordered compensation. This is a direct exercise of the consumer’s right to obtain fair compensation and remedy for a defective/denied service.
2. Right to be Heard: Rishabh wrote letters to the insurer, lodged an FIR, informed the insurer and submitted required documents, and presented his case before the District Commission. By actively presenting evidence and objections and asking the forum to consider his grievance, he exercised his right to have his complaints and viewpoints considered.