The National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC), New Delhi, ordered Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) to compensate ₹5 Lakh to a family after a gas cylinder leak led to a fire that severely injured their daughter and damaged their home. The Commission ruled that since BPCL failed to provide convincing evidence that the incident was excluded under the insurance policy, it was liable—along with associated parties—to pay compensation.
A family from Bhilai, Chhattisgarh, filed a complaint after a gas cylinder leak from Ravi Gas Agency, a BPCL distributor, caused a fire on February 13, 2015. The fire seriously injured their daughter (65% burns), with medical costs reaching ₹6.6 lakh and future surgeries estimated at ₹5 lakh. Their house also suffered damage worth ₹4 lakh. Despite receiving ₹93,000 from BPCL's insurer, no further help was given. Lower consumer forums dismissed their complaint, citing unauthorized gas equipment. The family then challenged the decisions before the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC).
The NCDRC comprising Mr. Subhash Chandra (Presiding Member) and AVM J. Rajendra (Member), held, “It is also undisputed that the gas leak and fire incident have occasioned, and the complainants’ daughter suffered injuries and their house sustained damage. In the absence of substantial evidence that was brought forth by OPs to establish that this incident falls within the exceptions to the said insurance contract, the OPs are liable to compensate them in terms of the said policy.”
“we are of considered view that the complainants are entitled for payment of Rs.5,00,000 as compensation towards treatment of their daughter for the injuries suffered as well as for damage to the property due to the fire accident. The BPCL (OP-3) is directed to pay Rs.5,00,000 to the complainants within two months from the date of this order along with simple interest @ 9% per annum from 13.04.2015 (i.e. from 2 months after the date of incident) till the date of payment. In the event of delay in payment beyond two months, the rate of simple interest liable to be paid for the entire period shall be @ 12% per annum. We also make it clear that the amount already paid by the OPs to the complainants as compensation for the same accident is liable to be deducted from this amount.” the Commission stated.
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