Mr. Justice V.K. Agrawal, President—This appeal, under Section 15 of the Consumer Protection Act, 1986, is directed against the order dated 15.3.2001 in complaint No. 4/2000 by the Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum, Kanker, (hereinafter called the ‘District Forum for short) directing the appellant/insurer to pay Rs. 7,500/- with interest thereon.

2. The averments of the complainant stated in brief are that respondent No. 1 had purchased a buffalo on 20.5.1993 for Rs. 7,500/- and got it insured with the appellant through respondent No. 2. It was also averred that the said buffalo died on 20.8.1994. The complainant, therefore, intimated the death of the buffalo to the appellant/respondent No. 2, but the appellant/insurer did not pay the assured amount, hence the complaint. It was also averred that the cause of action arose on 2.2.2000 as the appellant/respondent No. 2 failed to intimate the complainant about the progress of the case despite his letter dated 2.2.2000.

3. The complaint was resisted by the appellant, mainly, on the ground that it was barred by limitation. It was averred by the appellant in the above context that the claim of the complainant was repudiated by its lett