JUDGMENT :

D.Y. CHANDRACHUD, J.

1. Delay condoned.

2. Leave granted.

3. This appeal arises from a judgment and order of the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission [NCDRC] dated 7 March 2018.

4. The appellant obtained a “Standard Fire and Special Perils Insurance Policy” from the first respondent to cover his shop situated at Gausala Road, Sangrur. The shop was insured in the value of Rs. 18,00,000 and the policy was valid from 21 June 2011 to 20 June 2012. On 29 March 2012, the showroom in which the appellant carried on the business of sanitary-ware collapsed as a result of the work of excavation which was being carried on in an adjacent plot. A First Information Report was lodged on 30 March 2012 at the Police Station, Sangrur and intimation of the loss was given to the insurer. A surveyor was appointed. The claim was repudiated by the insurer on 11 May 2012. This led to the institution of the consumer complaint before the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum [District Forum] Sangrur. The District Forum allowed the claim in the amount of Rs 18,00,000, together with interest at nine per cent per annum from the date of the institution of the complaint. The order of the Dis