The Malappuram District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission has slapped a fine of ₹1.3 lakh on an insurance firm for denying an insurance claim to a dairy farmer on flimsy grounds.
The Commission ruled in favour of Ismail Thayyil, a farmer from Mankada in the district, after he filed a complaint against the insurance company for rejecting his claim for his deceased cow.
Mr. Ismail bought a high-breed cow for ₹70,000, which was yielding 23 litres of milk daily. But the cow succumbed to illness just two weeks later.
The veterinarian submitted a post-mortem report along with a photograph to the insurance company. However, the insurer rejected the claim, citing that the ear tag in the photo was unclear.
The insurance company maintained its stance despite the veterinarian’s clarification that the tag’s position was clear and should not have caused any confusion, leading Mr. Ismail to file a complaint with the Commission.
The Commission noted that the insurance company’s delay in paying the claim was a significant lapse on its part.
The Commission directed the insurance company to pay Mr. Ismail ₹70,000 as the insured amount, along with ₹50,000 in compensation and ₹10,000 towards legal expenses. If the payment is not made within a month, the insurer will also be liable to pay 9 % interest.
Published – August 03, 2025 09:04 pm IST
