Insurance ombudsman
Avinash Gokhale
(Querist) 18 August 2011
This query is : Resolved
What is significance of Time Limit prescribed under RPG Rule 1998 for Recommendation by Insurance Ombudsman “ as not later than one month “ or “ Award within Three month period from receipts of complaint ” is mandatory or indicative or suggestive in nature or just idealistic hence informative in nature ? what remedy is available under RPG Rule against Insurance ombudsman not giving Recommendation or Award within time limit of RPG Rules.
Raj Kumar Makkad
(Expert) 18 August 2011
Where both the parties to the complaint agree to mediation, the Ombudsman is required to give
such a recommendation within one month of the receipt of the complaint. However, where no
mediation takes place, the Ombudsman has to pass the 'award' within 3 months of the receipt of the
complaint. Thus, the maximum time to be taken in finally disposing of a complaint is 3 months.
There are various reasons leading delay in disposal of the cases:
Reasons for Delay in Hearings: The delay in hearing the cases can be attributed to the following
factors:
1. There was a vacancy in the office of the Ombudsman during a part of the year 2005.
2. Alarge number of cases earlier pending before the Ombudsman were carried over.
3. Delay occurred in receiving the consent letter from the company and/or the complainant.
4. Delay occurred in the submission of a self-contained note by the insurance company and not
responding within the time-limit specified by the Ombudsman.
