Authority: Bombay High Court, Civil Appellate Jurisdiction
Order Date: 6 October 2026
Case Overview
- Petitioner: Suhasini Sadanand Salunkhe.
- Respondents: The State of Maharashtra (through its Secretary) and Respondent No.4, New India Assurance Co. Ltd.
- Writ Petition No. 7703 of 2021 concerned a claim arising from the death of the petitioner's husband on 7 May 2014.
- Earlier court orders dated 24 August 2026 and 10 September 2026 directed the parties to negotiate settlement.
- On 6 October 2026, counsel for New India Assurance confirmed willingness to pay Rs 3 lakhs, proposing interest at 7.5% per annum from 1 December 2020.
Court Reasoning
- The Court appreciated the insurance company's approach and the efforts of counsel Mr. Devandranath S. Joshi.
- The Court recorded the petitioner's satisfaction with the settlement amount.
- However, the Court fixed the interest rate at 8% per annum, effective from 1 December 2020, superseding the proposed 7.5% rate.
Final Outcome
- New India Assurance Co. Ltd. is ordered to pay the petitioner Rs 3 lakhs plus interest at 8% per annum from 1 December 2020.
- The total amount must be paid within four weeks of the order dated 6 October 2026.
- The writ petition stands disposed accordingly.
Topics: Insurance Claim Settlement, Court Order