ORDER :

Ujjal Bhuyan, J.

Heard Mr. Ramesh Vishwanathula, learned counsel for the petitioner; Mr. M.V. Suresh, learned counsel for respondent No.1; and Mr. Bathula Raj Kiran, learned counsel for respondent No.2.

2. This petition has been filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India seeking a declaration that Rule 14 of the Insurance Ombudsman Rules, 2017 (briefly ‘the Insurance Ombudsman Rules’ hereinafter) includes representation by advocates or representatives of the insurer, legal heirs, nominee or assignee in any proceedings before the insurance ombudsman.

3. Petitioner before us is the widow of late N. Parvathalu, who had availed a loan of Rs.30 lakhs on 04.08.2021 from United Small Finance Bank Limited (briefly ‘the bank’ hereinafter) for his business purpose. While sanctioning the loan amount, the bank got the same insured with ICICI Prudential Life Insurance Company Limited (briefly ‘the insurer’ hereinafter). For this purpose, insurance premium of Rs.37,184.00 was deducted by the bank while releasing the loan amount. Thereafter, the insurer issued life insurance policy covering the death of the insured for a sum of Rs.30 lakhs and in this connection, policy certificate