Justice Prevails: DCDRC B’la hands-over Rs 4.5 lac to earthquake-affected consumer in long-pending insurance case

BARAMULLA, MAY 16: In a significant development showcasing the commitment to consumer rights, the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (DCDRC) Baramulla today handed over a cheque worth Rs 4,50,000 to the complainants as part of the compensation awarded in a long-drawn case titled Mohammad Maqbool Bhat and another v/s National Insurance Company.

The case, which dates back to the 2005 earthquake that devastated North Kashmir, was initially decided by the DCDRC Baramulla. The insurance company had challenged the Commission’s verdict before the State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission in Srinagar/Jammu. However, the State Commission upheld the judgment passed by the DCDRC Baramulla, reinforcing the Commission’s stand on fair compensation for the affected consumers.

Today, the DCDRC Baramulla, under the chairmanship of President DCDRC, Peerzada Qousar Hussain and Member Nayla Yaseen handed over the cheque for Rs 4.5 lac to the decree holders (complainants), representing a part of the total compensation amount of over Rs 10 lac, which the insurance company has been directed to pay.

The event underscores the Commission’s commitment to enforcing consumer rights and ensuring that justice, even if delayed, is ultimately delivered. The Commission reiterated that such verdicts reinforce public trust in consumer forums and act as a deterrent against unfair trade practices.