Mr. Justice P. Ramakrishnam Raju, President—The complainant is the appellant. Here case is that though the opposite party Insurance Company settled her claim favourably, interest was not paid for the delayed period.

2. The facts of the case are that her husband died in a motor vehicle accident on the night of 1.9.1998 while two insurance policies for Rs. 5 lakhs each were in force. As per the conditions of the policy, Rs. 1,50,000/- has to be paid when the policy holder dies in an accident. She was shown as the nominee in both the policies, hence she claims the benefits under those policies. The opposite party paid Rs. 5 lakhs by way of a cheque on 23.2.1999, Rs. 1,50,000/- on 24.2.1999 and Rs. 5,25,666/- on 16.3.1999. Therefore, she is entitled to interest on the said amount from 17.9.1998 i.e., 15 days after the date of death of her husband.

3. The District Forum rejected her contention. The complainant admittedly submitted some of the documents on 17.9.1998. She finally submitted legal heir certificate on 20.10.1998. She issued a legal notice on 21.1.1999 seeking payment of the policy amounts within ten days, failing which, action will be taken for recovery of the sum and the