V.K. Jain, Presiding Member—The complainant / petitioner purchased a Maruti Suzuki Swift Dzire car and got the same insured with the respondent for the period from 28.10.2013 to 27.10.2014. The delivery of the vehicle had been taken by him on 28.10.2013. The said car having met with an accident on 14.3.2014, a claim in terms of the insurance policy was lodged with the respondent. The claim was repudiated primarily on the grounds stated in a letter dated 13.9.2014 sent by the insurer to the petitioner. The said letter, to the extent it is relevant reads as under:—

“There is 131 days of delay in intimation after the loss, as per policy condition No.1”Notice shall be given in writing to the company immediately upon the occurrence of any accident or loss or damage and in the event of any claim and thereafter the insured shall give all such information and assistance as the company shall require.”

At the material time of loss the Registration certificate of the vehicle was not valid. Please note that as per Section 39 of the Motor Vehicle Act—

“No person shall drive any motor vehicle and no owner of a motor vehicle shall cause or permit the vehicle to be driven in any publ