J U D G M E N T

The petitioner instituted a claim before the 2^nd respondent insurance company, with respect to the accidental death of her husband. The claim was rejected by the 2^nd respondent insurance company, on account of which, the petitioner approached the 1^st respondent, the Insurance Ombudsman. By Ext.P2 award dated 17.03.2023, the Insurance Ombudsman found that the claim for compensation requires to be accepted and therefore, directed payment of Rs.15 lakhs within 30 days. The petitioner has instituted the captioned writ petition, essentially pointing out that the Insurance Ombudsman failed to consider the claim for interest with respect to the afore amount, and is therefore, seeking disbursement of interest at the rate of 15% per annum from 21.06.2021 (the date on which the claim petition was filed).

2. Heard Sri.Rassal Janardhanan A., the learned counsel for the petitioner, as well as Sri.George A.Cherian, the learned counsel for the insurance company.

3. Sri.George, the learned counsel for the insurance company states that the entire amount of compensation has already been paid to the petitioner on 06.04.2023. However, the question that arises for consideration is whether