The Hindu Business Line : “Insurance cos should aim for speedy settlement”

CHENNAI: Insurance companies should introduce a single-window clearance mechanism for speedy settlement of accident claim cases and giving relief to victims and their kin, Supreme Court judge Mr Arijit Pasayat said here on Saturday.

Addressing a seminar on Alternative Dispute Redressal (ADR) here Justice Mr Arijit Pasayat, said this would eliminate delay in handing out justice to the affected and also prevent the case from being dragged in courts for a long time.

“Some resourceful persons (committed with offence) can drag the proceedings even for a decade when the case comes to the court. If at all he is sentenced for his crime, he would only get a pittance of what he deserves. But, what about the victim or his f amily?” he said.

“Therefore insurance companies should settle claims across the board as the officers have a statutory duty to pass justice. Give the victim a just award and don't deny the legitimate relief he is entitled for,” the judge said.

Companies should have a single-window clearance mechanism for this purpose, he added. While the victims should be compensated properly and early, “no leniency should be shown to the accused if proved guilty,” he told a gathering of judges and judicial o fficers.

Citing media reports, he said even minors were now driving cars on roads causing deaths, which he described as an “irresponsible” act.

Stressing on the need for ADRs, Mr Pasayat said that courts were already “over burdened,” with a lack of sufficient strength adding to the judiciary's woes. - PTI

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