In his complaint, Dr Bhupinder Singh, chairman of B.B. Poultry Farm, had said that he had 6,360 chicks of which 6,347 were insured from September 20, 1996 to February 3, 1998. On April 6, 1997, the chicks became ill and were diagnosed with having Ranikhet.

The complainant alleged that only 1,176 chicks survived, and even these were infected and hence, could not be sold as they could endanger human life.

It was stated that Rs 13,496 and Rs 12,758 had been paid as insurance premium against two insurance policies, respectively. On this basis, the complainant claimed Rs 7.23 lakh along with Rs 10,000 as compensation for harassment.

The opposite party maintained that the complainant sold some chicks without its knowledge. The Bench maintained that the complainant could not support the entire contention as he did not possess up-to-date record, and directed payment of Rs 74,225 as insurance, in addition Rs 1,000 as costs.