State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission
The Manager Star Health And Allied ... vs M M Bala Krishnan on 9 March, 2017
Daily Order KERALA STATE CONSUMER DISPUTES REDRESSAL COMMISSION SISUVIHARLANE VAZHUTHACADU THIRUVANANTHAPURAM REVISION PETITION NUMBERS.32/16,33/16,35/16,36/16,37/16,38/16,39/16, 40/16, 41/16, 42/16, 43/16 & 44/16 COMMON ORDER DATED : 09.03.2017 PRESENT SRI.K.CHANDRADAS NADAR : JUDICIAL MEMBER
SRI.V.V.JOSE : MEMBER REVISION PETITION NO.32/16 (Revision Petitions are filed against the order in IA.No.318/2015 in CC.No.158/2015 order dated : 03.03.2016) REVISION PETITIONER The Manager, Star Health and Allied Insurance Co.Ltd, Branch Office, Manikuni, Sulthan Bathery, Wayanad (By Adv.Sri.G.S.Kalkura) Vs REVISION COUNTER PETITIONERS
1. Silvi Sunny, Powvathilkunnel House, Kolithattu Post, Iritty Taluk, Kannur
2. Ragini.P Pannikadan House, KP Nagar, Perigome Post, Pannannur, Kannur
3. Satheesh.M.K Marangatuk, Ulathumkal House, Kottayade Post, Kannur
4. The Executive Director, Shreyas Social Service Centre, Cheeral Road, Sulthan Bathery,Wayanad (R1 to R3 by Adv.Smt.Sruthi Joseph) (R4 by Adv.Sri.T.S.Akbar Khan) REVISION PETITION NO.33/2016 (Revision Petition filed against the order in IA.No.332/2015 in CC.No.165/2015 on the file of CDRF, Wayanad order dated : 03.03.2016) REVISION PETITIONER The Manager, Star Health and Allied Insurance Co.Ltd, Branch Office, Manikuri, Sulthan Bathery, Wayanad (By Adv.Sri.G.S.Kalkura) Vs REVISION COUNTER PETITIONERS
1. Shinto Joseph, S/o.Joseph, Eluvunkal House, Meemutty.P.O Kodechery, Thamarassery Taluk
2. Shijo Joseph, S/o.Joseph, Elavunkal House, Meemutty.P.O Kodechery, Thamarassery Taluk
3. Robins M George, Maramattathil House, Kodenchery.P.O, Kozhikkode
4. Manoj John, Mukalath House, Pulloorampara.P.O Thiruvambadi, Kozhikkode
5. Thankachan.P.L Pallathu House, Kodenchery.P.O Thamarassery Taluk, Kozhikkode
6. Jisha Joshy, Komath House, Murampathy.P.O Kodenchery.P.O Thamarassery Taluk, Kozhikkode
7. Subeesh Mathew, Vettuchirayil House, Kodenchery, Tamarassery Taluk, Kozhikkode
8. Sunny.P.V, Pekuzhiyil House, Meemutty.P.O Kodenchery, Tamarassery Taluk, Kozhikkode
9. Shijo Mathew, Perumbroyi House, Mundoor.P.O Kodenchery, Thamarassery Taluk, Kozhikkode
10. Bijoy, Embukkal House, Meemutty.P.O Kodencherry, Thamarassery Taluk, Kozhikkode
11. Saji, Pekkuzhiyil House, Meemutty.P.O Kodencherry, Thamarassery Taluk, Kozhikkode
12. Mathai (Thampi), Kaniyamkhiyil House, Meemutty.P.O, Kodencherry, Thamarassery Taluk, Kozhikkode
13.Sam Varghese, Pekkuzhiyil House, Meemutty.P.O Kodencherry, Thamarassery Taluk, Kozhikkode
14.Mini Mathew, Puthiyedath House, Koodaranji.P.O Kodencherry, Thamarassery Taluk, Kozhikkode
15.Reji Mathew, Karintholil House, Meemutty.P.O Kodencherry, Thamarassery Taluk, Kozhikkode
16.Jineesh, Mailakkal House, Meemutty.P.O Kodencherry, Thamarassery Taluk, Kozhikkode
17. Ravi, Pallithazhath House, Meemutty.P.O Kodencherry, Thamarassery Taluk, Kozhikode
18. Johnson.T.T., Thundathil House, Pullorampara.P.O, Thiruvambadi, Kodencherry, Thamarassery Taluk, Kozhikkode
19.Felicitas Sebastian, Pulikkal House, Meemutty.P.O Kodencherry, Thamarassery Taluk, Kozhikkode
20.Sunil Kumar, Puthenpurayil House, Kodencherry Post, Pukikkayamn, Kodencherry, Thamarassery Taluk, Kozhikkode
21.Shibin Thomas, Anithottathil House, Kodencherry Post, Pukikkayam, Kodencherry, Thamarassery Taluk, Kozhikkode
22.Pushpa Suresh, Pullumalaputhen Veetil House, Kaithapoil Post, Kodencherry, Thamarassery Taluk, Kozhikkode
23.Sabu Jose, Nellikunnel House, Kodencherry Post, Kodencherry, Thamarassery Taluk, Kozhikkode
24.Chandi Kurian, Iyyarath House, Meemutty Post, Kodencherry, Thamarassery Taluk, Kozhikkode
25.Mathai (Mathew), Malekunnel House, Murampaty.P.O Kodencherry, Kozhikkode
26.The Executive Director, Shreyas Social Service Centre, Cheeral Road, Sulthan Bathery, Wayanad.
(R1 to R25 by Adv.Smt.Sruthi Joseph) (R26 by Adv.Sri.T.S.Akbar Khan) REVISION PETITION NO.35/16 (Revision Petition filed against the order in IA.No.331/2015 in CC.No.164/2015 on the file of CDRF, Wayanad order dated : 03.03.2016) REVISION PETITIONER The Manager, Star Health and Allied Insurnace Co.Ltd, Branch Office, Manikuni, Sulthan Bathery, Wayanad (By Adv.Sri.G.S.Kalkura) Vs REVISION COUNTER PETITIONERS
1. M.M.Balakrishnan, Kidanganadu Village, Sulthan Bathery Taluk
2. Sali.P.J, Pallikunnath House, Thovarimala, Vaduvancyal Post, Sulthan Bathery
3. Eorge.P.J, Panayelil House, Thovarimala Post, Ambkuthy, Sulthan Bathery
4. Khadar, Chalil House, Ambalavayal Post, Edakkal, Sulthan Bathery
5. Thomas.P.J, Pallathukudi House, Pooala Post, Poothikadu, Sulthan Bathery
6. Sumesh.S Sumesh Bhavan House, Thovarimala Post, Malavayal, Sulthan Bathery
7.Jomesh Josse, Vadakkel House, Alattil Post, Thalappuzha, Wayanad
8.Majeed, Vattaparambil Holuse, Thrissilery Post, Mananthavady
9. Shibi.N.V, Nellattukudi House, Thrikaipatta Post, Meppadi
10. Biju.C.V, Chenganamadathil House, Thrikaipatta Post, Meppadi
11. Shiju.V.S, Valayil House, Vaduvanchal .P.O Sulthan Bathery
12. Sukumaran.P, Pulickalkudy House, Karani Post, Meenangadi
13. T.G.Rajan, Thandel House, Kenichira.P.O Poothadi
14. Dipin.P.S, Parapurath House, Vakeri.P.O Sulthan Bathery
15. Roy Joseph, Madhuramkattil House, Chethalayam Post, Sulthan Bathery
16. Eldo Thomas, Ambazhappumkudiyil House, Chethalayam Post, Sulthan Bathery
17.V.M.Jony, Vettathuparambil House, Poomala Post, Sulthan Bathery
18.Sunny, Embalil House, Sasimala Post, Pulpally
19. Joseph, Puthenpurackal House, Mullenkolly Post, Pulpally
20. Sabu Varghese, Chakkattu Padichira Post, Pulpally
21. Sajeesh, Kochukallarakal House, Padichira Post, Pulpally.
22. Bindu Prakash, Puthen Purayil House, Veleyambam Post,Pulpally.
23. Anoop, Moothattu House, Cheeral Post, Sulthan Bathery
24. Saleem.K.M, Kanjirakandathil House, Poothadi Post, Kenichira.
25.Tessy Francis, Thazhathuveettil, Nadavayal Post, Naikuppa.
26.Ramesh.P, Panamoola House, Kunnaladi Post, Manthandikunnu.
27.Jessy Varghese, Karimamkulam House, Bathery Post, Manthandikunnu.
28. T.V.James, Theviyil House, Trikaipatta Post, Kalpetta
29. Premlal, Cheppila House, Kalandadikolly Post, Pulpally
30. Sajeer Sulthan, Arabi House, Cheeral Post, Sulthan Bathery
31. Dileepkumar, Nellikondan House, Cheera Post, Murikiladi.
32. Manikandan.K.A, Kuzhimalam House, Chulliyode Post, Sulthan Bathery
33.Shaju Varghese, Kunnarasth House, Nambiarkunnu Post, Sulthan Bathery
34.Manoj.M.B, Ennappattam House, Nambiarkunnu Post, Sulthan Bathery
35.Biju Joseph, Vettanal House, Thovarimala Post, Sulthan bathery.
36. The Executive Director, Shreyas Social Service Centre, Cheeral Road, Sulthan Bathery, Wayanad (R1 to R35 by Adv.Smt.Sruthi Joseph) (R36 by Adv.Sri.T.S.Akbar Khan) REVISION PETITION NO.36/16 (Revision Petition filed against the order in IA.No.329/15 in CC.No.167/2015 on the file of CDRF, Kalpetta order dated: 03.03.2016) REVISION PETITIONER The Manager, Star Health and Allied Insurance Co.Ltd, Branch Office, Manikuni, Sulthan Bathery, Wayanad (By Adv.Sri.G.S.Kalkura) Vs REVISION COUNTER PETITIONERS
1. Aneesh Joseph, Thundiparambil House, Chembanthotty.P.O Sreekandapuram, Thaliparamba Taluk, Kannur
2.Simon, Kanneth House, Cherupuzha.P.O, Perumkuda, Kannur
3. Moncy Thomas, Kollamparambil House, Kamballoor.P.O Ayanoor, Kasargode.
4.Viju Jose, Puthenpurackal House, Chuzhali.P.O Chembanthotty, Kannur
5. Sini George, Orapuzhickal House, Ottathai, Alakode, Kannur
6.The Executive Director, Shreyas Social Service Centre, Cheeral Road, Sulthan bathery, Wayanad (R1 to R5 by Adv.Smt.Sruthi Joseph) (R6 by Adv.Sri.T.S.Akbar Khan) REVISION PETITION NO.37/16 (Revision Petition filed against the order in IA.No.450/2015 in CC.No.180/2015 on the file of CDRF, Kalpetta order dated : 03.03.2016) REVISION PETITIONER The Manager, Star Health and Allied Insurance Co.Ltd, Branch Office, Manikuni, Sulthan Bathery, Wayanad (By Adv.Sri.G.S.Kalkura) Vs REVISION COUNTER PETITIONERS
1.Asha Saji, Manchappillil House, Pathar Post, Chungathara village, Malappuram
2.Kadeeja Alavi, Kalamparambil House, Pathiripadan Post, Manakkad, Malappuram
3.Shilimon.P.D Payyapallil House, Pullipadam Post, Mambatt, Malappuram
4.Reji.K.K. Kankickal House, Chungathara Post, Malappuram
5. Sajan Varghese, Kallumparambil House, Pariyapuram Post, Malappuram
6.Aneesh Joseph, Muthukunnel House, Arimanal Post, Malappuram
7.Sebastian (Saji), Puthanparambil House, Pariyapuram Post, Malappuram
8.Sunny Markose, Pallikunnel House, Palachodu Post, Malappuram
9.Reni.C.S, Chirattoolil House, Pallikuthu Post, Chungathara, Malappuram
10. Omana, Tharayilputhan veedu, Karubalagodu Post, Kaippini, Malappuram
11. The Executive Director, Shreyas Social Service Centre, Cheeral Road, Sulthan Bathery, Wayanad.
(R1 to 10 by Adv.Smt.Sruthi Joseph) (R11 by Adv.Sri.Akbar Khan) REVISION PETITION NO.38/16 (Revision Petition filed against the order in IA.No.446/15 in CC.No.169/2015 on the file of CDRF, Kalpetta order dated : 03.03.2016.) REVISION PETITIONER The Manager, Star Health and Allied Insurance Co.Ltd, Branch Office, Manikuni, Sulthan Bathery, Wayanad (By Adv.Sri.G.S.Kalkura) Vs REVISION COUNTER PETITIONERS
1. Pradeep Kumar, Koolal House, Munnanadu House, Gudallur, Nilgiri
2. Jose Samuel, Naralin House, KK Nagar, Coimbatore, Nilgiri
3. Sajitha Shemeer, Nedumthodika House, Kayyunni Post, Punehakolly, Nilgiri
4. P.Rajesh, Pulichirayil House, Pattavayal House, Kottad, Nilgiri
5. Shitto Baby, Rathappally House, Kaipra Post, Bitherkada, Nilgiri
6. K.M.Mathai, (Jain), Kalapurakal House, Pattavayal Post, Nilgiri
7. Assainar.V.M, Villan House, Pattavayal Post, Nilgiri
8. Saidhu, Kumeri House, Kayyunni Post, Nilgiri
9. M.T.Abraham, Mannithottathil House, Konnachal Post, Erumad, Nilgiri
10.The Executive Director, Shreyas Social Service Centre, Cheeral Road, Sulthan Bathery, Wayanad (R1to R9 by Adv.Smt.Sruthi Joseph) (R10 by Adv.T.S.Akbar Khan) REVISION PETITION NO.39/16 (Revision Petition filed against the order in IA.No.445/2015 in CC.No.168/2015 on the file of CDRF, Wayanad, Kalpetta order dated : 03.03.2016) REVISION PETITIONER The Manager, Star Health and Allied Insurnace Co.Ltd, Branch Office, Manikuni, Sulthan Bathery, Wayanad (By Adv.Sri.G.S.Kalkura) Vs REVISION COUNTER PETITIONERS
1. Aboobacker (Sidhique) Chembakachal House, Thrikkaipetta Post, Wayanad
2. Sukumaran.V.K Vadakkeputhanpura House, Payyampally Post, Mananthavady
3. Francis, Nedumkandathil House, Mananthavady Post, Wayanad
4. Suneesh.E.N, Elampara House, Thirkaipetta Post, Kenichira
5. Sajeevan.M.M, Mallapilliyil House, Thazhemedu Post, Kenichira
6. Ashref.N.A, Narikkammattam House, Kaniyambetta Post, Kalpetta
7. N.J.Baby, Neerumthanath House, Kaniyambetta Post, Kalpetta
8. Siby Jose, Kattamkottil House, Sasimala Post, Pulpally
9. Binu.V.S, Vazhavila House, Konnachal Post, Erumad
10. Ashref.V, Vakayil House, Konnachal Post, Erumad
11. Santha George, Edappalayil House, Sulthan Bathery Post
12.Mary John, Thaiparambil House, Sulthan Bathery Post
13. Shahida Manaf, Parammal House, Beenachi Post, Sulthan Bathery
14.Sreeja, Vadakkekuttiyil House, Molankavu Post, Sulthan Bathery
15.Sheena Shaji, Puthuvayal House, Moolankavu, Sulthan Bathery
16.The Executive Director, Shreyas Social Service Centre, Cheeral Road, Sulthan Bathery, Wayanad (R1 to R15 by Adv.Smt.Sruthi Joseph) (R16 by Adv.Sri.T.S.Akbar Khan) REVISION PETITION NO.40/16 (Revision Petition filed against the order in IA.No.319/2015 in CC.No.159/2015 on the file of CDRF, Kalpetta, Wayanad order dated : 03.03.2016) REVISION PETITIONER The Manager, Star Health and Allied Insurnace Co.Ltd, Branch Office, Manikuni, Sulthan Bathery, Wayanad (By Adv.Sri.G.S.Kalkura) Vs REVISION COUNTER PETITIONERS
1. Binessh.V.B, Vellamkolly House, Thrikkaipetta Post, Vythiri Taluk, Wayanad
2. K.K.Janu, Parappallath House, Vakeri Post, Arivayal.
3. Roy.T.M, Thottaneyil House, Kalathuvayal Post, Makkunnu.
4. Jaijeesh.E.J, Edassery Thottathil House, Kalathuvayal Post, Makkunnu.
5. Jolly Saji, Mannupurath House, Sasimala Post,Pulpally
6. Mary Thomas, Vellappil House, Manalvayal Post, Pulpally.
7. Ajeesh, Pallikarayil House, Mullenkolly Post,Pulpally
8. Joseph Francis, Madhavath House, Nadavayal Post, Kenichira
9. Shoukath, Olathinkal House, Kuppadi Post, Sulthan Bathery
10.Rasheed, Thayill House, Kuppadi Post, Sulthan Bathery
11. Sajitha, Koodamangalam, Sulthan Bathery Post
12. Sinu.A.R, Anjilimoottil House, Sulthan Bathery Post
13. Marackar, Kavumpadath House, Mandad Post, Meppadi
14. Biju Joseph, Maliyekkal House, Mandad Post, Meppadi
15. Raseena Rasheed, Poonkaran House, Kaippancherry, Sulthan Bathery
16. Gireesh Kumar.M.N. Manjappallil House, Kenichira Post, Wayanad
17. The Executive Director, Shreyas Social Service Centre, Cheeral Road, Sulthan Bathery, Wayanad (R1 to R16 by Adv.Smt.Sruthi Joseph) (R17 by Adv.Sri.T.S.Akbar Khan) REVISION PETITION NO.41/16 (Revision Petition filed against the order in IA.No320/2015 in CC.No.160/2015 on the file of CDRF, Kalpetta, Wayanad order dated : 03.03.2016) REVISION PETITIONER The Manager, Star Health and Allied Insurnace Co.Ltd, Branch Office, Manikuni, Sulthan Bathery, Wayanad (By Adv.Sri.G.S.Kalkura) Vs REVISION COUNTER PETITIONERS
1. Shaji.K.P Kulathinkal House, Madakkannu Post, Mananthavady
2. Sajini, Valiyapuzhakkal House, Krishnagiri Post, Meenagadi
3.K.K.Santhosh, Karuvanthanath House, Kenichira Post, Kenichira
4. Mathews.P.J Pallickamadathil House, Kupadi Post, Sulthan Bathery
5.Shijimon, Kithiyathottil House, Kuppadi Post, Sulthan Bathery
6.Vineetha.K.R Kulanjattil House, Poothadi Post, Kenichira
7.Vipin Vinod, Empulamkattil House, Payyampally Post, Mananthavady
8.Jayanthi Prakash, Pachilakattil House, Thariyode Post, Mananthavady,
9.Santhosh.P.L. Plathottathil House, Tharuvana Post, Mananthavady
10.Mani (Shaju), Pulickal House, Payyampally Post, Mananthavady
11.Mukesh.V.K Pengidingal House, Mangaachal, Nambiarkunnu
12.The Executive Director, Shreyas Social Service Centre, Cheeral Road, Sulthan Bathery, Wayanad (R1 to R11 by Adv.Smt.Sruthi Joseph) (R12 by Adv.Sri.T.S.Akbar Khan) REVISION PETITION NO.42/2016 (Revision Petition filed against the order in IA.No.447/2015 in CC.No.170/2015 on the file of CDRF, Wayanad, Kalpetta order dated : 03.03.2016) REVISION PETITIONER The Manager, Star Health and Allied Insurnace Co.Ltd, Branch Office, Manikuni, Sulthan Bathery, Wayanad (By Adv.Sri.G.S.Kalkura) Vs REVISION COUNTER PETITIONERS
1.N.A.Mathai, Pandanal House, Mangode Post, Moonnandu village and post, Gudalur Taluk, Nilgiri 2,C.T.Baby, Cheranakunnel House, Kalpetta Post, Panthallur, Nilgiri 3,M.M.Joseph, Kalpra, Pattavayal Post, Nilgiri
4.K.V.Hose, Kavunnukattil House, Kunnaladi Post, Mangamvayal, Nilgiri
5.P.J.Joshi, Pazhangattu House, Uppatty Post,Nilgiri
6.K.E.Kesavan, Karkutty House,Mannanadu Post, Nilgiri
7.Jomsi Varghese, Kolapurath House, Ambalamoola Post, Attakadavu, Nilgiri
8.Manoj, Vazhachalil House, Munnanadu Post, Ayyamkolly, Nilgiri
9.The Executive Director, Shreyas Social Service Cenre, Cheeral Road, Sulthan Bathery, Wayanad (R1 to R8 by Adv.Smt.Sruthi Joseph) (R9 by Adv.Sri.T.S.Akbar Khan) REVISION PETITION NO.43/16 (Revision Petition filed against the order in IA.No.448/15 in CC.No.178/15 on the file of CDRF, Wayanad, Kalpetta order dated : 03.03.2016) REVISION PETITIONER The Manager, Star Health and Allied Insurnace Co.Ltd, Branch Office, Manikuni, Sulthan Bathery, Wayanad (By Adv.Sri.G.S.Kalkura) Vs REVISION COUNTER PETITIONERS
1. P.U.Unnikrishnan, Pulickal House, Chembukadavu Post, Thamarassery Taluk, Kozhikkode
2. Johnson, Thakidiyil House, Meemutty Post, Kodencherry, Calicut
3.Manoj, Vallikattil House, Mundoor Post, Kodencherry, Calicut
4.Boby.T.J, Thottakath House, Mycavu Post, Thamarassry,'Kozhikkode
5.Renny.V.A, Vayalilpuliyanickal House, Meemutty, Kodencherry, Calicut
6.Kuttappan, Puthiyottil House, Meemutty.P.O, Kodencherry, Calicut
7.C.C.Thomas, Chathanplakkil House, Puthuppadi Post, Thamarassery Taluk, Calicut
8.Suneesh, Vettukallel House, Kannoth Post, Kodenchery, Calicut
9.Abraham Joseph, Plackal House, Meemutty Post, Kodencherry, Calicut
10.Abross.M.J, Alapattu House, Koodaranji Post, Kodencherry Post, Calicut
11.JoJo Joseph, Padinjattumury House, Pulikayam Post, Calicut
12. Mary George, Thottiyil House, Thusharagiri Post, Calicut
13.Ealias, K.S.Kottath House, Kodencherry, Calicut
14. The Executive Director, Shreyas Social Service Centre, Cheeral Road, Sulthan Bathery, Wayanad (R1 to R13 by Adv.Smt.Sruthi Joseph) (R14 by Adv.Sri.T.S.Akbar Khan) REVISION PETITION NO.44/16 (Revision Petition filed against the order in IA.No.449/15 in CC.No.179/15 on the file of CDRF, Wayanad, Kalpetta order dated : 03.03.2016) REVISION PETITIONER The Manager, Star Health and Allied Insurnace Co.Ltd, Branch Office, Manikuni, Sulthan Bathery, Wayanad (By Adv.Sri.G.S.Kalkura) Vs REVISION COUNTER PETITIONERS
1. Jaya.R, D.No.8/72, Nanthattty Post, Gudalur, Nilgiri
2. Dolly, Thottungal House, Nanthatty Post, Gudalur, Nilgiri
3. Ajeesh, Thekkumkara House, Nanthatty Post, Gudalur, Nilgiri
4. T.A.Jose, S/o.Anthappan, Thattakath House, Kayyunni Post, Nilgiri
5. Elizabeth Abraham, Manalvayal House, Kayyunni Post, Gudalur, Nilgiri
6. Jincy, Kalliyanikattukunnel House, Konnachal Post, Nilgiri
7. Sathar.M, Kadayickal House, Bitherkadu Post, Nilgiri
8. The Executive Director, Shreyas Social Service Centre, Cheeral Road, Sulthan Bathery, wayanad (R1 to R7 by Adv.Smt.Sruthi Joseph) (R8 by Adv.Sri.T.S.Akbar Khan) COMMON ORDER SRI.K.CHANDRADAS NADAR : JUDICIAL MEMBER In all these revision petitions the petitioner is the same. The revision petitioner is the Manager of Wayanad branch of Star Health and Allied Insurance Company. The common counter petitioners are the complainants. The revision petitioner issued insurance policies to the complainants through the Executive Director, Shreyas Social Service Centre, Wayanad under Group Insurance Scheme. The complainants approached the consumer forum when their claims were repudiated obviously on different grounds. On receipt of notice the revision petitioner opposite party no.2 entered appearance and raised the contention that the complainants were not having the same interest as defined in Section 12 (1) (c) of the Consumer Protection Act and questioned the maintainability of the complaints on that ground as well as on the ground that different causes of action were combined in the same complaint. It appears that on repudiation of the claims under the policies groups of complainants joined in one complaint and approached the consumer forum and several such complaints were instituted on the basis of insurance policies issued under the same group insurance scheme. The consumer forum considered the applications questioning the maintainability of the complaints and passed orders holding that the complainants were having same interest as envisaged under Section 12 (1) (c) of the Consumer Protection Act and therefore, the complaints were maintainable. Since identical questions of Law arise for consideration all the revision petitions were heard together and we are passing a common order.
2. Under Section 12 (1) (c) of the Consumer Protection Act one or more consumers where there are numerous consumers having the same interest with the permission of the District Forum on behalf of or for the benefit of all the consumers so interested can file a complaint before the consumer forum. Under Section 2 (1) (b) (i) of the Consumer Protection Act a complainant means a consumer or under Section 2 (1) (b) (iv) one or more consumers where there are numerous consumers having the same interest. It was urged before us that the Consumer Protection Act permits one or more consumers to file a complaint together only when they are bound by same interest not similar interest. The consumer forum held that the complainants had same interest on the facts alleged before the forum. The contention of the revision petitioner is that at the most the complainants are having similar interest only. It appears that the repudiation of the claims of different complainants is not the same. They were treated in various hospitals on different dates and the amounts claimed were different. The grounds of repudiation were also different. But these form different causes of action not exactly relating to same or similar interest. The consumer forum found that to avoid multiplicity of cases it was convenient to permit the complainants to sustain the complaint.
3. Several decisions were cited in support of the arguments on either side. Most of the decisions cited by the learned counsel for the revision petitioners were pronounced by State Commissions and the facts are different. In the decision in Manoj Verma & othrs Vs.Jaipuria Infrastructure Developers Pvt Ltd, 2016 STPL 8685 a Division Bench of the Hon'ble National Disputes Redressal Commission considered a complaint filed on behalf of 28 allottes of flats and in that complaint the names and particulars of all the 28 allottees were given. The National Commission came to the conclusion that Section 12 (1) (c) of the Consumer Protection Act does not permit filing of such a joint complaint and hence directed dismissal of the complaint.
4. A larger bench of the National Commission including the Hon'ble President had occasion to consider similar issue in Ambrish Kumar Shukla & 21 Othrs Vs Ferrous Infrastructure Ltd, while disposing of Consumer Case No.97/2016. The said case also related to flats allotted to the complainants. Pointing out that what is required is sameness of the interest and not the same cause of action, the Hon'ble National Commission held that where all the consumers jointly interested are made parties to the complaint, it is not representative complaint in the strict sense of the provision in Order 1 Rule 8, CPC and no permission is necessary Under Section 12 (1) (c) of the Consumer Protection Act. This decision settles the issue to the effect that permission under Section 12(1) (c) of the Consumer Protection Act is required only when numerous consumers having same interest seek to file complaint through one or more consumers representing all. In all the complaints which are the subject matter of these revision petitions, all the complainants are named and no one seeks to be represented because of same or similar interest. So it appears that the real issue is whether there is mis-joinder of complainants or causes of action and if the answer is in the affirmative the result of such mis-joinder. In this regard, there is no clear provision in the Consumer Protection Act. Being a question of fair procedure to be adopted though Section 13(4) of the consumer Protection Act does not explicitly make applicable, the provisions in order 1 & order 2 of the Civil Procedure Code, those provisions can be considered for guidance. As per Order 1 Rule 1 CPC all persons may be joined in one suit as plaintiff where any right to relief in respect of or arising out of the same act or transaction or series of acts or transactions is alleged to exist in such persons whether jointly, severally or in the alternative and if such person brought separate suits any common question of Law or fact would arise. As per Order 1 Rule 2 where it appears to the Court that any joinder of plaintiffs may embarrass or delay the trial of the suit the court may put the plaintiffs to their election or order separate trials or make such other order as may be expedient. Order 2 Rule 3 provides for joinder of causes of action and Order 2 Rule 6 mandates that where it appears to the court that the joinder of cause of action in one suit embarrasses or delays the trial or is otherwise inconvenient, the court may order separate trials or make such other order as may be expedient in the interests of Justice.
5. So the provisions in the Civil Procedure Code do not contemplate out right dismissal of a suit because of mis-joinder of plaintiff or causes of action. If the provisions in the Civil Procedure Code is taken as guide a consumer complaint cannot also be dismissed merely because there is mis-joinder of complainants or mis-joinder of causes of action. It appears to us that apart from differences in the reasons for repudiation of the claims amount claimed etc there is no material difference in the causes of action of different complainants combined in one complaint. So if the consumer forum takes due care during the trial of the complaints no embarrassment or injustice would be caused to any of the parties at the time of the final disposal of the complaints and much time could be saved also. At any rate, the provisions of Law do not contemplate out right dismissal of a complaint merely because there is mis-joinder of complainants or causes of action. So the consumer forum rightly held that the complaints were maintainable. No intereference in revision is warranted at this stage for no illegality or irregularity or erroneous exercise of jurisdiction is brought out in the impugned order of the consumer forum.
In the result, all the revision petitions are dismissed but without costs.
K.CHANDRADAS NADAR : JUDICIAL MEMBER V.V.JOSE : MEMBER Be/ KERALA STATE CONSUMER DISPUTES REDRESSAL COMMISSION SISUVIHARLANE VAZHUTHACADU THIRUVANANTHAPURAM REVISION PETITION NUMBERS.32/16,33/16, 35/16,36/16,37/16, 38/16,39/16, 40/16, 41/16, 42/16, 43/16 & 44/16 COMMON ORDER DATED : 09.03.2017 Be/