In Brief
A police constable died of heat stroke while on election duty in 2000 under an insurance policy providing cover for death from accidents involving "external violent" means. The beneficiary claimed the insured amount eleven years later. The courts below ruled the insurer liable. The Supreme Court reversed the judgment, holding that strict construction of insurance terms is mandatory. Death from heat stroke—a natural physiological event—does not constitute an "accident" caused by external violence within the policy's scope. Further, the employer's negligent failure to lodge the claim within the stipulated period cannot be fastened as liability on the insurer. The appeal was allowed.
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