Tamil Nadu

Madras High Court orders notice to insurance company

CHENNAI: Justice K.Suguna of the Madras High Court has ordered notice on a writ petition filed by a mason seeking a direction to an insurance company to print the terms and conditions of its policy in regional language and in a readable manner.

He has also sought reimbursement of expenditure on treatment for injuries sustained by him in an accident. R.Ayyanar of Egkatur, Kilambakkam, submitted that he took a National Insurance Company policy through an agent, who assured him that in the event of an accident, the company would bear the entire medical expenses incurred by him and also the driver. The policy did not mention the company’s Chennai address. He did not know English and trusted the agent. He met with an accident in May this year. He wrote to the insurance company, Direct Agents Branch, Tidel Park, Taramani claiming reimbursement. He was informed that he was not eligible for the claim and that the company was not responsible for the agent’s promise. He later requested the company to mention its Chennai address in the policy document in future, specify the terms and conditions in Tamil and reimburse the expenses. There was no reply and he filed a writ petition. The court, in August this year, directed the company to consider his representation and pass orders on merits. The insurance company branch, by an order in September, rejected all his claims on unreasonable grounds.

He also sought a direction to call for the records relating to the company’s September order and quash the same.

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