Judgment

C.K. Thakker, J.—Leave granted.

2. This appeal is filed by the Life Insurance Corporation of India (“Insurance Company” for short) against the order passed by the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum, Bilaspur (Himachal Pradesh), confirmed by the Himachal Pradesh State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, Shimla and also confirmed by the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, New Delhi.

3. Few facts giving rise to the present appeal may now be stated.

4. Mani Ram-respondent herein, son of one Budhu Ram, resident of village Khatehar, Pargana and Tehsil Sadar, District Bilaspur (HP) filed a complaint under Section 12 of the Consumer Protection Act, 1986 (hereinafter referred to as “the Act”), before the District Forum, Bilaspur. In the complaint, it was inter alia alleged by the complainant that his son Ashok Kumar had been insured with the appellant-Insurance Company on August 21, 1995 and premium amount of Rs. 5215/- was paid on the same day. According to the complainant, the next instalment of premium was due on August 21, 1996. Ashok Kumar - insured, however, died in an accident on August 2, 1996 at Barmana as the boundary wall of the D.A.V. School fell on