K.SAMPATH, J. - (1.) The question for consideration in the appeal is whether the complainants husband committed suicide or it was a case of accident. It is seen from the records that the life assured died within 18 days from the date of commencement of the policy itself. There was an affidavit filed by the Village Administrative Officer stating that the insured committed suicide. The District Forum, however, found that this was not a case of suicide and awarded compensation in a sum of Rs.1,16,000/- payable with interest at 9% per annum together with a sum of Rs.500/- as costs.
(2.) Having gone through the materials on record, we took the view that the matter could be settled on non-standard basis. Accordingly, we suggested to the learned counsel for the insurance company to make an offer. The learned counsel took instructions and reported to us that the insurance company was prepared to pay a sum of Rs.50,000/- in full quits of the claim of the complainant against the opposite party insurance company.
(3.) In our view, it is a very fair and reasonable offer. In spite of our adjourning the matter several times, neither the respondent nor her counsel chose to appear before us. Even today, there is no representation for the respondent/complainant.;