Ajesh Kumar v. National Insurance Co. Ltd.
Citation: 2024 INSC 993
Court: Supreme Court of India
Date: December 5, 2024
Overview:
Ajesh Kumar filed a claim under his vehicle insurance policy with National Insurance Co. Ltd., which was partially allowed by the District Consumer Forum. The State Commission upheld this decision. However, the NCDRC, upon revision, reduced the compensation amount. Ajesh Kumar appealed to the Supreme Court.
Key Issues:
- Revisional Jurisdiction: The scope of NCDRC’s authority to interfere with concurrent findings of lower consumer forums.
- Quantum of Compensation: Appropriateness of the compensation awarded for the insurance claim.
Judgment:
The Supreme Court set aside the NCDRC’s order, restoring the compensation amount determined by the District Forum and upheld by the State Commission. The Court held that the NCDRC exceeded its revisional jurisdiction by re-evaluating factual findings without sufficient grounds.
Implications:
This judgment clarifies the limited scope of NCDRC’s revisional powers, emphasizing that it should not act as an appellate body re-assessing facts unless there is a manifest error or miscarriage of justice. It ensures that the decisions of lower consumer forums are given due deference, promoting judicial discipline and consistency.
