26th February, 1938

 

An Act to consolidate and amend the law relating to the business of insurance. Whereas it is expedient to consolidate and amend the law relating to the business of insurance; It is hereby enacted as foltows :- This Act has been applied to- (i) the partially excluded areas in the District of Darjesling, see Bengal Government Notification No. 1902-Com., dated 28-6-1939, Calcutta Gazette, dated 16-7-1939; (ii) the partially excluded areas in the Province of Orissa with effect from 14-10-1939, see Orissa Laws Validating Regulation, 1943 (1 of 1943). The Act has been extended to the new Provinces and Merged States by the S.3OF THE Merged States (Laws) Act, 1949 (1-1-1950) and to the States of Manipur, Tripura and Vindhya Pradesh by the Union Territories (Laws) Act, 1950 (30 of 1950), section 3 (16-4-1950). Manipur and Tripura are Union territories now and Vindhya Pradesh has been merged with the State of Madhya Pradesh -- See Act 37 of 1956, section 9(1)(e). It has been extended to the Union territories of- (1) Goa, Daman and Diu by Regn. 12 of 1962 (15-12-1963); (2) Dadra and Nagar Haveli, by Regn. 6 of 1963 (1-7-1965); (3) Pondicherry, by Regn. 7 of 1963 (1-10-1963); and (4) Laccadiv, Minicoy and Amindivi Islands, by Regn. 8 of 1965. Extended to Sikkim by 206 (E) oif 1975 and enforced in Sikkim on 1 -9-1975-See Gaz. of India, 24-6-1975 Pt. II, S. 3(iii), Ext., p. 7377.

 

PART 1 PRELIMINARY

 

Section 1 Short title, extent and commencement

 

Statements prepared under this Schedule must be prepared, so far as practicable, in tabular form and must be identified by numbers and letters corresponding with those of the paragraphs of Part II of this Schedule.

 

Section 2 Definitions

 

Except with respect to rates of premium or contribution, items in statements prepared under this Schedule are to be shown to the nearest rupee.

 

Section 2A Rule of construction in applying Act to Part B States

Section 2B Appointment of Controller of Insurance

 

PART 2 PROVISIONS APPLICABLE TO INSURERS

 

Section 2C Prohibition of transaction of insurance business by certain persons

 

45[a] See footnote [a] under section 2D.

(1) Save as hereinafter provided, no person shall, after the commencement 46[b] Substituted for "the States" by Jammu and Kashmir (Extension of Laws) Act, 1956 (62 of 1956), section 2 and Schedule (1-11-1956). of the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950, begin to carry on any class of insurance business in 47[c] That is, 1-7-1939-See section 1(3). [India] and no insurer carrying on any class of insurance business in 48[c] That is, 1-7-1939-See section 1(3). [India] shall, after the expiry of one year from such commencement, continue to carry on any such business unless he is-

 

(a) a public company, or

(b) a society registered under the Co-operative Societies Act, 1912, or under any other law for the time being in force in any State relating to co-operative societies, or

(c) a body corporate incorporated under the law of any country outside 49[c] That is, 1-7-1939-See section 1(3). [India] not being of the nature of a private company:

Provided that the Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, exempt from the operation of this section to such extent for such period and subject to such conditions as it may specify, any person or insurer for the purpose of carrying on the business of granting superannuation allowances and annuities of the nature specified in sub-clause (c) of clause (11) of section 2 or for the purpose of carrying on any general insurance business :

Provided further that in the case of an insurer carrying on any general insurance business no such notification shall be issued having effect for more than three years at any one time.

50 In the Insurence Act, 1938, In Section 2C, in sub-section (1), after the third proviso, shall be inserted :- "Provided also an insurer, being an Indian Insurance Company, insurance co-operative society or a body corporate referred to in clause (c) of this sub-section carrying on the business of insurance, may carry on any business of insurance in any Special Economic Zone as defined in clause (za) of Section 2 of the Special. Economic Zones Act, 2005" by the Special Economic Zones Act, 2005"."Provided also an insurer, being an Indian Insurance Company, insurance co-operative society or a body corporate referred to in clause (c) of this sub-section carrying on the business of insurance, may carry on any business of insurance in any Special Economic Zone as defined in clause (za) of Section 2 of the Special. Economic Zones Act, 2005"

 

(2) Every notification issued under sub-section (1) shall be laid before Parliament as soon as may be after it is issued.]

 

51 In Section 2C, sub-section (3) shall be inserted by Insurance (Amendment) Act, 2002 (42 of 2002), published in the Gazette of India, Extra., Part 11, Section 1(3) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (1), an insurance co-operative society may carry on any class of insurance business in India under this Act on or after the commencement of the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 2002.

 

Section 2CA Power of Central Government to apply provisions of this Act to Special Econonic Zones.

 

52 In the Insurence Act, 1938, After Section 2C, the following Section shall be inserted namely :- "2CA. Power of Central Government to apply provisions of this Act to Special Econonic Zones. The Central Government may, by notification, direct that any of the provisions this Act, (a) shall not apply to insurer, being an Indian Insurance Company, insurance to operative society or a body corporate referred to in clause (c) of sub section (1) of Section 2C, carrying on the business of insurance, in any Special Economic Zone as defined in clause (za} of Section 2 of the Special Economic Zones Act, 2005; or (b) shall apply to any insurer, being an Indian Insurance Company, insurance co operative society or a body corporate referred to in clause (c) of sub-section (1) of Section 2C, carrying on the business of insurance, in any Special Economic Zone as defined in clause (za) of Section 2 of the Special Economic Zones Act, 2005 only with such exceptions, modifications and adaptation as may be specified in the notification.". by the Special Economic Zones Act, 2005".

The Central Government may, by notification, direct that any of the provisions this Act,

 

(a) shall not apply to insurer, being an Indian Insurance Company, insurance to operative society or a body corporate referred to in clause (c) of sub section (1) of Section 2C, carrying on the business of insurance, in any Special Economic Zone as defined in clause (za} of Section 2 of the Special Economic Zones Act, 2005; or

(b) shall apply to any insurer, being an Indian Insurance Company, insurance co operative society or a body corporate referred to in clause (c) of sub-section (1) of Section 2C, carrying on the business of insurance, in any Special Economic Zone as defined in clause (za) of Section 2 of the Special Economic Zones Act, 2005 only with such exceptions, modifications and adaptation as may be specified in the notification.".

 

Section 2D Insurers to be subject to this Act while liabilities remain unsatisfied

 

[. .- Every insurer shall be subject to all the provisions of this Act in relation to any class of insurance business so tong as his liabilities in 54[b] Substituted for "the States" by Jammu and Kashmir (Extension of Laws) Act, 1956 (62 of 1956), section 2 and Schedule (1-11-1956). [India] in respect of business of that class remain unsatisfied or not otherwise provided for.]

 

Section 2E This Act not to apply to certain insurers, ceasing to enter into new contracts before commencement

 

55[a] See footnote [a] under section 2D.- The provisions of this Act shall not apply to an insurer as defined in paragraph (i) or (iii) of sub-clause (a) of clause (9) of section 2 in relation to any class of his insurance business where such insurer has ceased, before the commencement of this Act, to enter into any new contracts of that class of business.]

 

Section 3 Registration

 

(1) No 56[ab] Substituted for "insurer" by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1940 (20 of 1940), section 3 (10-4-1940).[person] shall, after the commencement of this Act, begin to carry on any class of insurance business in 57[d] Substituted for "the States" by Jammu and kashmir (Extension of Laws) Act, 1956 (62 of 1956), section 2 and Schedule (1-11-1956). [India] and no insurer carrying on any class of insurance business in 58[d] Substituted for "the States" by Jammu and kashmir (Extension of Laws) Act, 1956 (62 of 1956), section 2 and Schedule (1-11-1956). [India] shall, after the expiry of three months from the commencement 59[c] That is, 1-7-1939-See section 1(3). of this Act, continue to carry on such business unless he has obtained from the 60[e] Substituted for "Superintendent of Insurance" by the insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950 (47 of 1950), section 4(1-6-1950). [Controller] a certificate of registration 61[f] Inserted, by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1946 (6 of 1946), section 3 (20-3-1946). [for the particular class of insurance business] : [Provided that in the case of insurer who was carrying on any class of insurance business in 62[d] Substituted for "the States" by Jammu and kashmir (Extension of Laws) Act, 1956 (62 of 1956), section 2 and Schedule (1-11-1956). [India] at the commencement 63[c] That is, 1-7-1939-See section 1(3). of this Act, failure to obtain a certificate of registration in accordance with the requirements of this sub-clause shall not operate to invalidate any contract of insurance entered into by him if before [such date 64[i] 1-8-1942 is the date fixed for all insurers in the States of India, excepting those in Baroda and Mysore. See Notification No. 530-l(12)/42, dated 11-7-1942, published in Gazette of India, 1942, Pt. I, p. 1163. as may be fixed in this behalf by the Central Government by notification in the Official Gazette] he has obtained that certificate.]

 

(2) Every application for registration shall be accompanied by-

 

(a) a certified copy of the memorandum and articles of association, where the applicant is a company and incorporated under the Indian Companies Act, 1913 65[a] Inserted by the Insurance (Second Amendment) Act. 1939 (41 of 1939), section 2. [or under the Indian Companies Act, 1882 or under the Indian Companies Act, 1866, or under any Act repealed thereby,] or in the case of any other insurer specified in sub-clause (a)(ii) or sub-clause (b) of clause (9) of section 2, a certified copy of the deed of partnership or of the deed of constitution of the company, as the case may be, or in the case of an insurer having his principal place of business or domicile outside 66[b] Substituted for "the States" by Jammu and Kashmir (Extension of Laws) Act, 1956 (62 of 1956), section 2 and Schedule (1-11-1956). [India] the document specified in clause (a) of section 63;

(b) the name, address and the occupation, if any, of the directors where the insurer is a company incorporated under the Indian Companies Act, 1913, 67[a] Inserted by the Insurance (Second Amendment) Act. 1939 (41 of 1939), section 2. [or under the Indian Companies Act, 1882, or under the Indian Companies Act, 1866, or under any Act repealed thereby,] and in the case of an insurer specified in sub-clause (a)(ii) of clause (9) of section 2 the names and addresses of the proprietors and of the manager in 68[b] Substituted for "the States" by Jammu and Kashmir (Extension of Laws) Act, 1956 (62 of 1956), section 2 and Schedule (1-11-1956). [India], and in any other case the full address of the principal office of the insurer in 69[b] Substituted for "the States" by Jammu and Kashmir (Extension of Laws) Act, 1956 (62 of 1956), section 2 and Schedule (1-11-1956). [India], and the names of the directors and the manager at such office and the name and address of someone or more persons resident in 70[b] Substituted for "the States" by Jammu and Kashmir (Extension of Laws) Act, 1956 (62 of 1956), section 2 and Schedule (1-11-1956). [India] authorized to accept any notice required to be served on the insurer;

(c) a statement of the class or classes of insurance business done or to be done, and a statement that the amount required to be deposited by section 7 or section 98 before application for registration is made has been deposited together with a certificate from the Reserve Bank of India showing the amount deposited;

(d) where the provision of section 6 or section 97 apply, a declaration verified by an affidavit made by the principal officer of the insurer authorized in that behalf that the provisions of those sections as to working capital have been complied with;

(e) in the case of an insurer having his principal place of business or domicile outside [India], a statement verified by an affidavit made by the principal officer of the insurer setting forth the requirements (if any) not applicable to nationals of the country in which such insurer is constituted, incorporated or domiciled which are imposed by the laws or practice of that country upon Indian nationals as a condition of carrying on insurance business in that country;

(f) a certified copy of the published prospectus, if any, and of the standard policy forms of the insurer and statements of the assured rates, advantages, terms and conditions to be offered in connection with insurance policies together with a certificate in connection with life insurance business by an actuary that such rates, advantages, terms and conditions are workable and sound :

(g) the 71[d] Substituted for "prescribed fee for registration being not", by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1946 (6 of 1946), section 3 (20-3-1946). [receipt showing payment in the prescribed manner of the prescribed fee which shall not be] more than 72[e] Substituted for "one", by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1941 (13 of 1941), section 3 (8-4-1941). [five] hundred rupees for each class of business.

 

73[a] Inserted by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1965 (32 of 1965), section 2 (29-9-1965). [(2A) If, on receipt of an application for registration and after making such inquiry as he deems fit, the Controller is satisfied that-

 

(a) the financial condition and the general character of management of the applicant are sound;

(b) the volume of business likely to be available to, and the capital structure and earning prospects of, the applicant will be adequate;

(c) the interests of the general public will be served if the certificate of registration is granted to the applicant in respect of the class or classes of insurance business specified in the application;

(d) the applicant has complied with the provisions of section 2C, Section 5, Section 31A and Section 32 and has fulfilled all the requirements of this section applicable to him,

 

(2B) Where the Controller refuses registration, he shall record the reasons for such decision and shall furnish a copy thereof to the applicant.

 

(2C) Any person aggrieved by the decision of the Controller refusing registration may, within thirty days from the date on which a copy of the decision is received by him, appeal to the Central Government.

 

(2D) The decision of the Central Government on such appeal shall be final and shall not be questioned before any Court.]

 

(3) 74[a] Substituted for the words "In the case of any insurer having his principal place of business or domicile outside India" by Act 32 of 1965, section 2 (29-9-1965). [Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (2A), in the case of any insurer having his principal place of business or domicile outside India], the 75[b] Substituted for "Superintendent of Insurance" by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950 (47 of 1950), section 4 (1-6-1950). [Controller] shall withhold registration or shall cancel a registration already made, if he is satisfied that in the country in which such insurer has his principal place of business or domicile Indian nationals are debarred by the law or practice of the country relating to, or applied to insurance from carrying on the business of insurance, or that any requirement imposed on such insurer under the provisions of section 62 is not satisfied.

 

76[a] Substituted and deemed always to have been substituted for the original sub-section (4) by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1940 (20 of 1940), section 3.a [(4) The 77[b] Substituted for "Superintendent of Insurance", by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950 (47 of 1950), section 4 (1-6-1950). [Controller] shall cancel the registration of an insurer either wholly or in so far as it relates to a particular class of insurance business, as the case may be,-

 

(a) if the insurer fails to comply with the provisions of section 7 or section 98 as to deposits, or

78[c] Inserted by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1968 (62 of 1968), section 2 (1-6-1969). [(aa) if the insurer fails, at any time to comply with provisions of section 64VA as to the excess of the value of assets over the amount of his liabilities, or]

(b) if the insurer is in liquidation or is adjudged an insolvent, or

(c) if the business or a class of the business of the insurer has been transferred to any person or has been transferred to or amalgamated with the business of any other insurer, or

(d) if the whole of the deposit made in respect of a class of insurance business has been returned to the insurer under section 9,] 79[d] Inserted by Act 13 of 1941, section 3 (8-4-1941). [or]

80[d] Inserted by Act 13 of 1941, section 3 (8-4-1941). [(e) if, in the case of an insurer specified in sub-clause (c) of clause (9) of section 2, the standing contract referred to in that sub-clause is cancelled or is suspended and continues to be suspended for a period of six months,

81[b] Substituted for "Superintendent of Insurance", by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950 (47 of 1950), section 4 (1-6-1950). [Controller] 82[e] Substituted for certain words by Act 6 of 1946, section 3 (20-3-1946). [may cancel] the registration of an insurer 83[f] Inserted by Act 62 of 1968, section 2 (1-6-1969). [or, 84[f] Inserted by Act 62 of 1968, section 2 (1-6-1969). [(ee) if the Central Government so directs under Section 33(4);]

85[g] Substituted for original clause by Act, 47 of 1950, section 7 (1-9-1950). [(f) if the insurer makes default in complying with, or acts in contravention of, any requirement of this Act or of any rule or order made thereunder, or]

(g) if the 86[b] Substituted for "Superintendent of Insurance", by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950 (47 of 1950), section 4 (1-6-1950). [Controller] has reason to believe that any claim upon the insurer arising in India under any policy of insurance remains unpaid for three months after final judgment in regular course of law, or

87[g] Substituted for original clause by Act, 47 of 1950, section 7 (1-9-1950). [(h) if the insurer carries on any business other than insurance business or any prescribed business,] ].]

 

(5) When the 88[a] Substituted for "Superintendent of Insurance" by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950 (47 of 1950), section 4 (1-6-1950). [Controller] withholds or cancels any registration under sub-section (3) or 89[b] Substituted for certain words, by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1946 (6 of 1946), section 3 (20-3-1946). [clause (aa)], clause (e), 90[c] Inserted, by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1968 (62 of 1968), section 2 (1-6-1969). [clause (ee), clause (f), clause (g) or clause (h) of sub-section (4)], he shall give notice in writing to the insurer of his decision, and the decision shall take effect on such date as he may specify in that behalf in the notice, such date not being less than one month nor more than two months from the date of the receipt of the notice in the ordinary course of transmission.

 

91[a] Sub-section (5A), (5B), (5C) and (5D) were inserted and deemed always to have been inserted by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1940 (20 of 1940), section 3. [(5A) When the 92[b] Substituted for "Superintendent of Insurance", by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, '950 (47 of 1950), section 4 (1-6-1950). [Controller] cancels any registration under clause (b), clause (c) or clause (d) of sub-section (4) the cancellation shall take effect on the date on which notice of the order of cancellation is served on the insurer.]

 

93[a] See footnote [a] under sub-section (5A). [(5B) When a registration is cancelled the insurer shall not, after the cancellation has taken effect, enter into any new contracts of insurance, but all rights and liabilities in respect of contracts of insurance entered into by him before such cancellation takes effect shall, subject to the provisions of sub-section (5D), continue as if the cancellation had not taken place.]

 

94[a] Inserted and deemed always to have been inserted by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1940 (20 of 1940), section 3. [(5C) Where a registration is cancelled under 95[b] Substituted for certain words, by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1946 (6 of 1946). section 3 (20-3-1946). [clause (a), 96[c] Inserted, by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1968 (62 of 1968), section 2 (1-6-1969). [clause (aa)], clause (e), clause (f), clause (g) or clause (h) of sub-section (4),] the 97[d] Substituted for "Superintendent of Insurance", by the Insurance (Amendment) Act. 1950 (47 of 1950), section 4 (1-6-1950). [Controller] may at his discretion revive the registration, if the insurer within six months from the date on which the cancellation took effect makes the deposits requried by section 7 or section 98, 98[c] Inserted, by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1968 (62 of 1968), section 2 (1-6-1969). [or complies with the provisions of section 64VA as to the excess of the value of his assets over the amount of his liabilities] 99[e] Inserted, by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1941 (13 of 1941), section 3 (8-4-1941). [or has his standing contract restorer or has had an application under section 3(4) A accepted], 100[f] Inserted by Act 6 of 1946, section 3 (20-3-1946). [or satisfies the 101[d] Substituted for "Superintendent of Insurance", by the Insurance (Amendment) Act. 1950 (47 of 1950), section 4 (1-6-1950). [Controller] that no claim upon him such as is referred to in clause (g) of sub-section (4) remains unpaid [or that he has complied with any requirement of this Act or of any rule or order made thereunder or that he has ceased to carry on any business other than insurance business or any prescribed business],] as the case may be, and complied with any directions which may be given to him by the 102[d] Substituted for "Superintendent of Insurance", by the Insurance (Amendment) Act. 1950 (47 of 1950), section 4 (1-6-1950). [Controller].]

 

103[a] Inserted and deemed always to have been inserted by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1940 (20 of 1940), section 3. [(5D) Where 104[b] Substituted for certain words, by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1946 (6 of 1946), section 3 (20-3-1946). [the registration of an insurance company is cancelled under sub-section (4), the 105[c] Substituted for "Superintendent of Insurance", by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950 (45 of 1950), section 4 (1-6-1950). [Controller] may,] after the expiry of six months from the date on which the cancellation took effect, apply to the Court for an order to wind up the insurance company, or to wind up the affairs of the company in respect of a class of insurance business, unless the registration of the insurance company has been revived under sub-section (5C) or an application for winding up the company has been already presented to the Court. The Court may proceed as if an application under this sub-section were an application under section 53(2), or Section 58(1), as the case may be.]

 

106[a] Sub-section (6) omitted by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1965 (32 of 1965), section 2 (29-9-1965). [* * * * *]

 

107[a] Inserted by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1946 (6 of 1946), section 3 (20-3-1946). [(7) The 108[b] Substituted for "Superintendent of Insurance" by the Insurance (Amendment) Act. 1950 (47 of 1950), section .4 (1-6-1950). [Controller] may, on payment of the prescribed fee which shall not exceed twenty-five rupees, issue a duplicate certificate of registration to replace a certificate lost, destroyed or mutilated, or in any other case where he is of opinion that the issue of a duplicate certificate is necessary.]

 

Section 3A Renewal of registration

 

(1) An insurer who has been granted a certificate of registration under section 3 shall have the registration renewed annually for each year after that ending on the 31st day of December, 1941.

 

(2) An application for the renewal of a registration for any year shall be made by the insurer to the 110[b] Substituted for "Superintendent of Insurance", by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950 (47 of 1950), section 4 (1-6-1950). [Controller] before the 31 st day of December of the preceding year, and shall be accompanied as provided in sub-section (3) by evidence of payment of the prescribed fee 111[c] Substituted for certain words, by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1968 (62 of 1968), section 3 (1-6-1969). [which may vary according to the total gross premium written direct in India, during the year preceding the year in which the application is required to be made under this section by the insurer in the class of insurance business to which the registration relates but shall not-

 

(i) exceed one-fourth of one per cent. of such premium income,

(ii) be less, in any case, than five hundred rupees for each class of insurance business:

 

(3) The prescribed fee for the renewal of a registration for any year shall be paid into the Reserve Bank of India, or, where there is no office of that Bank, into the Imperial Bank of India, acting as the agent of that Bank, or into any Government treasury, and the receipt shall be sent atong with the application for renewal of the registration.

 

(4) If an insure fails to apply for renewal of registration before the date specified in sub-section (2) the 112[b] Substituted for "Superintendent of Insurance", by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950 (47 of 1950), section 4 (1-6-1950). [Controller] may, so tong as an application to the Court under Section 3(5D) has not been made, accept an application for renewal of the registration on receipt from the insurer of the fee payable with the application and such penalty, not exceeding the prescribed fee payable by him, as the [Controller] may require : Provided that an appeal shall lie to the Central Government from an order passed by the 113[b] Substituted for "Superintendent of Insurance", by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950 (47 of 1950), section 4 (1-6-1950). [Controller] imposing a penalty on the insurer.

 

(5) The 114[b] Substituted for "Superintendent of Insurance", by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950 (47 of 1950), section 4 (1-6-1950). [Controller] shall, on fulfilment by the insurer of the requirements of the section, renew the registration and grant him a certificate of renewal of registration.]

 

Section 3B Certification of soundness of terms of life insurance business

 

[. .- If, when considering an application for registration under section 3 or at any other time, it appears to the 116[b] Substituted for "Superintendent of Insurance", by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950 (47 of 1950), section 4 (1-6-1950). [Controller] that the assured rates, advantages, terms and conditions offered or to be offered in connection with life insurance business are in any respect not workable or sound, he may require that a statement thereof shall be submitted to an actuary appointed by the insurer for the purpose and approved by the 117[b] Substituted for "Superintendent of Insurance", by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950 (47 of 1950), section 4 (1-6-1950). [Controller], and may by order in writing further require the insurer to make within such time as may be specified in the order such modifications in the said rates, advantages, terms or conditions, as the case may be, as the said actuary may report to be necessary to enable him to certify that the said rates, advantages, terms and conditions are workable and sound.]

 

Section 4 Minimum limits for annuities and other benefits secured by policies of life insurance

 

(1) 118[a] Substituted for certain words by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1948 (10 of 1948), section 2 (8-3-1948). [No insurer, not being a Co-operative Life Insurance Society to which Part IV of 119[b] Substituted for "the Insurance Act, 1938", by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950 (47 of 1950), section 8 (1-6-1950). [this Act] applies, shall pay] or undertake to pay on any policy of life insurance issued after the 120[c] Substituted for "commencement of this Act", by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1946 (6 of 1946), section 5 (20-3-1946). [commencement of the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1946,] an annuity of 121[d] Substituted for "fifty rupees or less or a gross sum of rupees five hundred or less", by the Insurance (Amendment) Act. [less than one hundred rupees or a gross sum of less than one thousand rupees] exclusive of any profit or bonus provided that this shall not prevent an insurer from converting any policy into a paid-up policy of any value or payment of surrender value of any amount.

 

122[e] Substituted for the former sub-section, by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1941 (13 of 1941), section 5 (8-4-1941). [(2) Nothing contained in this section shall apply to any policy of the description known as a group policy, where the number of persons covered by the policy is not less than fifty or such smaller number as may be approved by the 123[f] Substituted for "Superintendent of Insurance" by Act 47 of 1950, section 4 (1-6-1950). [Controller] and a standard form of the policy has been certified in writing by the 124[f] Substituted for "Superintendent of Insurance" by Act 47 of 1950, section 4 (1-6-1950). [Controller] to be a policy of such description 125[g] Inserted by Act 6 of 1946, section 5 (20-3-1946). [or to any policy undertaking to pay a gross sum of more than five hundred rupees or an annuity of more than fifty rupees, issued-

 

(a) by an insurer to any person in his permanent employ in respect of the life of that person, or

(b) under any scheme, approved by the 126[f] Substituted for "Superintendent of Insurance" by Act 47 of 1950, section 4 (1-6-1950). [Controller] and complying with such conditions, if any, as he may think fit to impose, whereby premiums due from persons employed under any employer are collected by or under the supervision of the employer,

127[f] Substituted for "Superintendent of Insurance" by Act 47 of 1950, section 4 (1-6-1950). [Controller] may by order in writing exempt from the provisions of this section, for so tong as the company complies with such conditions, if any, as may be prescribed].]

 

Section 5 Restriction on name of insurer

 

(1) An insurer shall not be registered by a name identical with that by which an insurer in existence is already registered, or so nearly resembling that name as to be calculated to deceive except when the insurer in existence is in the course of being dissolved and signifies his consent to the 128[a] Substituted for "Superintendent of Insurance" by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950 (47 of 1950), section 4 (1-6-1950). [Controller].

 

(2) If an insurer, through inadvertence or otherwise is without such consent as aforesaid registered by a name identical with that by which an insurer already in existence whether previously registered or not is carrying on business or so nearly resembling it as to be calculated to deceive the first-mentioned insurer shall, if called upon to do so by the 129[a] Substituted for "Superintendent of Insurance" by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950 (47 of 1950), section 4 (1-6-1950). [Controller] on the application of the second-mentioned insurer, change his name within a time to be fixed by the 130[a] Substituted for "Superintendent of Insurance" by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950 (47 of 1950), section 4 (1-6-1950). [Controller]: Provided that nothing in this section shall apply to any insurer carrying on business before the 27th day of January, 1937, under the Indian Life Assurance Companies Act. 1912: 131[b] Inserted, by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1946 (6 of 1946), section 6 (20-3-19461. [Provided further that in the application of this section to any insurer who begins to carry on insurance business after the commencement of the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1946, the references to an insurer in existence in sub-section (1) and this sub-section shall be construed as including references to a provident society (as defined in Part III) in existence, whether or not the society is in the course of being dissolved.]

 

(3) No insurer other than a provident society 132[c] Substituted for "to which Part III applies", by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1941 (13 of 1941), section 6 (8-4-1941). [as defined in Part III], who begins to carry on insurance business after the commencement of this Act, shall adopt as its name and no such insurer carrying on business before the commencement of this Act shall continue after the expiry of six months from the commencement thereof to use as its name any combination of words which includes the word "provident".

 

Section 6 Requirements as to capital

 

No insurer incorporated after, or who commenced carrying on the business of life insurance in [India] whether solely or in common with any other business, after the 26th day of January, 1937, shall be registered unless he has as working capital a net sum of not less than fifty thousand rupees exclusive of the deposit to be made before registration under sub-section (5) of section 7 of this Act, and exclusive in the case of a company of any sums payable as preliminary expenses in the formation of the company.

 

Section 6A Requirements as to capital structure and voting rights and maintenance of registers of beneficial owners of shares

 

(1) No public company limited by shares having its registered office in 134[a] 1st June, 1950 - See footnote [b] under section 2C. [India] shall carry on life insurance business, unless it satisfies all the following conditions, namely:-

 

(i) that the capital of the company consists only of ordinary shares each of which has a single face value;

(ii) that, except during any period not exceeding one year allowed by the company for payment of calls on shares, the paid-up amount is the same for all shares, whether existing or new:

 

(2) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in any law for the time being in force or in the memorandum or articles of association but subject to the other provisions contained in this section the voting right of every shareholder of any public company as aforesaid shall in all cases be strictly proportionate to the paid-up amount of the shares held by him.

 

(3) No public company as aforesaid which carries on life insurance business shall, after the commencement of the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950, issue any shares other than ordinary shares of the nature specified in sub-section (1).

 

(4) A public company as afoesaid which carries on life insurance business-

 

(a) shall maintain, in addition to the register of members to be maintained under the Indian Companies Act, 1913, a register of shares in which shall be entered the name, occupation and address of the beneficial owner of each share, and shall incorporate therein any change of beneficial owner declared to it within fourteen days from the receipt of such declaration;

(b) shall not register any transfer of its shares-

(i) unless, in addition to compliance being made with the provisions of S.34 of the Indian Companies Act, 1913, the transferee furnishes a declaration in the prescribed form as to whether he proposes to hold the shares for his own benefit or as a nominee, whether jointly or severally, on behalf of others, and in the latter case giving the name, occupation and address of the beneficial owner or owners, and the extent of the beneficial interest of each; and

(ii) where, after the transfer, the total paid-up holding of the transferee in the shares of the company is likely to exceed five per cent. of its paid-up capital or where the transferee is a banking or an investment company, is likely to exceed two and a half per cent. of such paid-up capital, unless the previous sanction of the Central Government has been obtained to the transfer.

 

(5) Every person who has any interest in any share of a company referred to in sub-section (4) which stands in the name of another person in the register of members of the company, shall, within thirty days from the commencement of the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950, or from the date on which he acquires such interest, whichever is later, make a declaration in the prescribed form (which shall be countersigned by the person in whose name the share is registered) to the company declaring his interest in such share, and notwithstanding anything contained in any other law or in any contract to the contrary, a person who fails to make a declaration as aforesaid in respect of any share shall be deemed to have no right or title whatsoever in that share: Provided that nothing in this sub-section shall affect the right of a person who has an interest in any such share to establish in a Court his right thereto, if the person, in whose name the share is registered, refuses to countersign the declaration as required by this sub-section: Provided further that where any share, belonging to an individual who has made any such declaration as is referred to in this sub-section, is held by a company in its name in pursuance of any trust or for the purpose of safe custody or collection or realization of dividend, such individual shall, notwithstanding anything contained in the Indian Companies Act, 1913, or in the memorandum or articles of association of the company which has issued the share, be deemed to be the holder of the said share for the purpose of exercising any voting rights under this section to the exclusion of any other person.

 

(6) If the total paid-up holding of any person in the shares of a company referred to in sub-section (1) on the commencement of the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950, exceeds two and a half per cent. of its paid-up capital where that person is a banking company or an investment company, or five per cent. of its paid-up capital in any other case, he shall not be entitled to any vote as a shareholder of the company in respect of such excess holding of shares.

 

(7) Where the total paid-up holding of any person in the shares of a company referred to in sub-section (1) on the date 135[a] 1st June, 1950 - See footnote [b] under section 2C. of the commencement of the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950, exceeds five per cent. of its paid-up capital where that person is a banking company or an investment company, or ten per cent. of its paid-up capital in any other case, he shall dispose of the excess holding of shares within three years from such commencement or such further period not exceeding two years as may be allowed to him by the Central Government.

 

(8) If, after the expiry of three years or of such further period as may be allowed to any person under sub-sec. (7), the total paid-up holding of any such person has not been reduced to the limits specified in that sub-section, any shares in excess of the limits specified in that sub-section shall vest in the Administrator-General of the State in which the registered office of the company concerned is situate and the Administrator-General shall take such steps as may be necessary for taking charge of any property which has so vested in him and shall dispose of the said shares and the proceeds thereof in such manner as may be prescribed.

 

(9) Subject to the other provisions contained in this section, but notwithstanding anything contained in the Indian Companies Act, 1913, or in the memorandum or articles of association of any such company as is referred to in sub-section (1), no such company shall refuse to register the transfer of any shares where the transfer is for the purpose of securing compliance with the provisions of sub-sections (7) and (8).

 

(10) The Central Government may, subject to such restrictions as it may think fit to impose, exempt from the operation of sub-sections (6), (7) and (8) any insurance company, in any case where the total paid-up holding of such insurance company in the shares of any other insurance company exceeds the limits specified in the said sub-sections, if the other insurance company is or is to be made a subsidiary company of the insurance company.

 

136[c] Inserted by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1968 (62 of 1968), section 4 (1-6-1969). [(11) The provisions of this section, except those of sub-sections (7), (8) and (9), shall, on and from the commencement of the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1968, also apply to insurers carrying on general insurance business subject to the following modifications, namely:-

 

(i) that references in sub-sections (1), (3), (5) and (6) to the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950, shall be construed as references to the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1968; and

(ii) references in sub-section (10) to sub-sections (7) and (8) shall be omitted].

 

OBJECTS AND REASONS The amendments made by the amending Act of 1950 provide "that a life insurance company should have only ordinary shares with voting rights proportionate to the paid up capita] and should maintain a register showing the beneficial owners of its shares and further make provision for altering the existing capital structure suitably with the sanction of the Central Government. They also provide for the conversion of a proprietary company into a mutual company through a scheme sanctioned by the Central Government"- S.O.R., Gazette of India, 1949, Extra, page 2213. "We think that companies which have more than one class of shares should have three years to convert all such shares into one class, but the voting right should always be proportionate to the paid-up value of the shares. Companies which commence life insurance business after the amending Bill comes into force should have only one class of shares with a single face value and equal voting rights, and existing companies should hereafter issue only ordinary shares. We have omitted sub-section (3) of the proposed section 6A. as in our opinion, sub-section (4) thereof is sufficient to cover it. We have, however, added a provision expressly providing for a right of suit by a person who is the beneficial owner of the share and whose right the nominal holder of the share refuses to recognise. We have also provided that in cases where banks hold share merely as custodians, the beneficial owner should have the right to vote, We think that a much tonger period than one year is required for the liquidation of excess shares which may be held by any person at the commencement of the amending Act, as otherwise a sudden release of the shares may cause a disturbance in the market. We have, therefore, provided that if any shareholder is unable to get his shares sold, the Administrator-General should come to the rescue

 

Section 6B Provision for securing compliance with requirements relating to capital structure

 

(1) For the purpose of enabling any public company carrying on life insurance business to bring its capital structure into conformity with the requirements of section 6A', an officer appointed in this behalf by the Central Government may, notwithstanding anything contained in the Indian Companies Act, 1913.-

 

(a) examine any scheme proposed for the purpose aforesaid by the directors of the company; Provided that-

(i) the scheme has been placed before a meeting of the shareholders for their opinion and has been forwarded to the officer together with the opinion of the shareholders thereon; and

(ii) the scheme does not involve any diminution of the liability of the shareholders in respect of unpaid-up share capital;

 

(b) invite objections and suggestions in respect of the scheme so proposed; and

(c) after considering such objections and suggestions to the scheme so proposed, sanction it with such modifications as he may consider necessary or desirable.

 

(2) Any shareholder or other person aggrieved by the decision of the officer sanctioning a scheme under sub-section (1) may, within ninety days of the date of the order sanctioning the scheme, prefer an appeal to the High Court within whose jurisdiction the registered office of the insurer is situate for the purpose of modifying or correcting any such scheme for the purpose specified in sub-section (1).

 

(3) The decision of the High Court where an appeal has been preferred to it under sub-section (2), or of the officer aforesaid where no such appeal has been preferred, shall be final and binding on all the shareholders and other persons concerned].

 

138[b] Inserted by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1968 (62 of 1968), section 5 (1-6-1969). [(4) The provisions of this section shall, on and from the commencement of the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1968 also apply to insurers carrying on general insurance business.]

 

Section 6C Conversion of company limited by shares into company limited by guarantee

 

(1) Where a public company limited by shares carrying on insurance business has passed a special resolution for converting itself into a public company limited by guarantee, it may apply to the Central Government with a scheme for putting the special resolution into effect, including any provision for the alteration of the memorandum or articles of association in so far as it may be necessary for this purpose.

 

(2) If the Central Government, after giving such notice to any person concerned as it thinly fit, is satisfied-

 

(a) that the scheme makes suitable provision with respect to the repayment, conversion or liquidation of the paid-up capital of the company.

(b) that the consent of the creditors to the conversion of the company limited by shares into a company limited by guarantee has been obtained, or that suitable provisions have been made for discharging, determining or securing the debts or claims of such creditors, and

(c) that the scheme is otherwise reasonable, it may sanction the scheme and thereupon the scheme shall become binding on the company and on all the persons concerned.

 

(3) Against the decision of the Central Government sanctioning a scheme under sub-section (2), any person aggrieved thereby may, within ninety days of the date of the order Sanctioning the scheme, prefer an appeal to the High Court within whose jurisdiction the registered office of the insurer is situate.

 

(4) The decision of the High Court where an appeal has been preferred to it under sub-section (3) or of the Central Government where no such appeal has been preferred, shall be final and binding on all the persons concerned.

 

(5) Where a scheme has been sanctioned under this section, the company shall file with the Registrar of Companies a certified copy of the scheme as sanctioned, and thereupon the provisions of the Indian Companies Act, 1913, relating to companies limited by guarantee shall become applicable to the company.]

 

Section 7 Deposits

 

(1) Every insurer not being an insurer specified in sub-clause (c) of clause (9) of section 2 shall, in respect of the insurance business carried on by him in 140[a] Substituted for "the States" by Act 56 of 1962, Section 2 and Schedule (1-11-1956). [India], deposit and keep deposited with the Reserve Bank of India in one of the offices in India of the Bank for and on behalf of the Central Government 141[b] Substituted and deemed always to have been so by Act 20 of 1940, Section 4. [the amount hereafter specified, either in cash or in approved securities estimated at the market value of the securities on the day of deposit, or partly in cash and partly in approved securities so estimated],-

 

142[c] Substituted for clauses (a) to (i) by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1968 (62 of 1968), Section 6 (1-6-1969). [(a) where his total gross premium written direct .in India in respect of general insurance business in any calendar year commencing after the 31st day of December 1967, did not exceed rupees one crore, a sum of rupees ten lakhs,

(b) where his total gross premium written direct in India in respect of general insurance business during any calendar year referred to in clause (a) exceeded rupees one crore, a sum of rupees twenty lakhs;]

143[d] Proviso was added by Act 20 of 1940, Section 4. [Provided that, where the business done or to be done is marine insurance only and relates exclusively to country craft or its cargo or both, the amount to be deposited under this sub-section shall be [one hundred thousand rupees] only: 144[f] Inserted, by the Insurance (Amendment) Act. [Provided further that in respect of an insurer not having a share capital and carrying on only such insurance business as in the opinion of the Central Government is not carried on ordinarily by insurers under separate policies, the Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, order that the provisions of this sub-section shall apply to such insurer with the modification that instead of the sum of rupees twenty lakhs or rupees ten lakhs, as the case may be, the deposit to be made by such insurer shall be such amount, being not less than one hundred and fifty thousand rupees, as may be specified in the said order.]

 

145[g] Sub-sections (1A) to (1E) inserted, by the Insurance (Amendment) Act. [(1A)

 

(i) An insurer who holds immediately before the commencement of the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1968, a valid certificate of registration in respect of any class of insurance business and who has deposited and kept deposited a sum which is less than the sum required to be deposited under sub-section (1) may make deposit of the sum which is equal to the difference between the sum already deposited and kept deposited and the sum required to be deposited under sub-section (1), in not more than five installments, of which-

(a) the first shall be not less than one-fifth of the said sum and shall be paid before the expiry of one year from such commencement,

(b) the second shall be not less than one-fourth of the balance left after making the deposit under clause (a) and shall be paid before the expiry of two years from such commencement,

(c) the third shall be not less than one-third of the balance left after making the deposit under clauses (a) and (b) and shall be paid before the expiry of three years from such commencement,

(d) the fourth shall be not less than one-half of the residue and shall be paid before the expiry of four years from such commencement, and

(e) the balance shall be paid before the expiry of the five years from such commencement.

 

(ii) An insurer referred to in clause (a) of sub-section (1), the total gross premium written direct by whom in India in any calendar year in respect of general insurance business exceeds for the first time rupees one crore, shall make deposit of the sum which is equal to the difference between the sum already deposited and kept deposited by him, as at the end of such calendar year, and the sum of rupees twenty lakhs, in not more than five equal annual installments, the first of which shall be made on or before the 31st day of December of the year immediately following the year in which the total gross premium written direct by him in India exceeded rupees one crore, and nothing in clause (i) of this sub-section shall apply to such insurer after the end of the calendar year during which the gross premium written direct by him in India exceeded rupees one crore.

 

(1B) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (1), it shall be sufficient compliance with the provisions of sub-section (1) in the case of a group of insurers operating in India as a group (hereafter in this Act referred to as a "group") if the total amount of the deposit made by all the insurers in the group is not less than the amount which the group, if considered to be a single insurer, would have been required to deposit under sub-section (1): Provided that the deposit made by each insurer in the group is not less than that proportion of the total deposit required to be made under this sub-section as the proportion of his share of the risk on each policy issued by the group bears to the total risk on that policy.

 

(1C) When a group of insurers ceases to be a group, every insurer in that group who continues to carry on any class of insurance business in India shall, unless he has joined another group within a period of six months from the date of cessation of the previous group and has complied with all the provisions of this section, comply with the requirements of sub-section (1) as if he had not been an insurer in any group at any time and he shall pay, within a period of six months from the date of such cessation, in a lump sum, the amount of the installments of deposit which he would have been required to make under sub-section (1A) before the date of such cessation had he not been an insurer in any group at any time, reduced by the amount of deposit, if any, made by him after the commencement of the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1968.

 

(1D) The Central Government may, at its discretion, extend the time for making any deposit or installment of deposit required to be made by any insurer under the provisions of sub-sections (1) (1A), (1B) and (1C) by a period of not more than six months at a time: Provided that not more than two extensions shall be given in respect of any deposit or installment of deposit required to be made by an insurer.

 

(1E) Where a group of insurers is operating in India as a group, such insurers may, notwithstanding anything contained in section 32A, have common officers and common staff within India.]

 

(2) Where the insurer is an insurer specified in sub-clause (c) of clause (9) of section 2, he shall be deemed to have complied with the provisions, of this section as to deposits, if in respect of 146[c] Words "any class of" and "as deposit for that class of insurance business" omitted by Act 62 of 1968, Section 6 (1-6-1969). [* * *] insurance business 147[a] Substituted for "transacted" by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1939 (11 of 1939), Section 3. [carried on] by him in 148[b] Substituted for "the State" by Jammu and Kashmir (Extension of Laws) Act, 1956 (62 of 1956), Section 2 and Schedule (1-11-1956). [India] under a standing contract of the nature referred to in sub-clause (c) of clause (9) of section 2 a deposit of an amount one-and-a-half times that specified in sub-section (1) 149[c] Words "any class of" and "as deposit for that class of insurance business" omitted by Act 62 of 1968, Section 6 (1-6-1969).c [* * * * * *] has been made in the Reserve Bank of India in one of the offices in India of the Bank for and on behalf of the Central Government in cash or approved securities estimated at the market value of the securities on the day of deposit by or on behalf of the underwriters who are members of the Society of Ltoyd's with whom he has his standing contract.

 

150[a] Substituted for former sub-sections (3) to (6) by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1968 (62 of 1968), Section 6 (d) (1-6-1969). [(3) Where the deposit is to be made by an insurer not carrying on insurance business in India immediately before the commencement of the insurance (Amendment) Act, 1968, a deposit of rupees ten lakhs shall be made before the application for registration is made, and the provisions of clause (ii) of sub-section (1A) shall apply to such insurer after his registration as they apply to an insurer specified in clause (a) of sub-section (1).

 

(4) An insurer shall not be registered for any class of insurance business in addition to the class or classes for which he is already registered until the full deposit required under sub-section (1) has been made.

 

(5) Where an insurer who intends to become a member of a group, does not carry on all the classes of insurance business carried on by the other insurers in such group, or where out of the several insurers who desire to form themselves into a group, any insurer does not carry on all the classes of insurance business carried on by the other insurers who desire to form themselves into the group, such insurer may be registered for that class or those classes of insurance business which is or are carried on by the other insurers of the group or the proposed group, as the case may be, and where any application for registration is made by any such insurer, the Controller may, notwithstanding anything contained in Section 3(2A) or sub-section (4), register such insurer for one or more additional classes of insurance, if the following conditions are fulfilled, namely:-

 

(a) the Controller is satisfied that registration for the proposed one or more additional classes of insurance business would qualify the insurer to become a member of a group;

(b) agreements have been executed by all the insurers in the group or proposed group, as the case may be, and such agreements, in the opinion of the Controller, satisfy the requirements of the Explanation to sub-section (1B); and

(c) the insurer has, after the commencement of the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1968, made deposit of a sum not less than the total of all the installments of deposit which he would have been required to make after such commencement till the date of his becoming a member of the group, had he been a member of the group from such commencement.

 

(6) The Controller shall cancel the registration made in pursuance of the provisions of sub-section (5), if the insurer referred to therein fails to become, within a period of three months from the date of such registration, a member of the group or proposed group, as the case may be, and, where such registration has been cancelled, the provisions of this Act shall apply to the insurer as if he had not been registered for the class or classes of insurance business in relation to which his registration has been cancelled.]

 

(7) Securities already deposited with the Controller of Currency in compliance with the Indian Life Insurance Companies Act, 1912, shall be transferred by him to the Reserve Bank of India and shall, to the extent of their market value 151[a] Substituted and deemed always to have been substituted for "on the day of the first deposit made in compliance with this Act" by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1940 (20 of 1940). Section 4. [as at the date of the commencement of this Act], be deemed to be deposited under this Act 152[b] Substituted for "in respect of the life insurance business of the insurer", by the Insurance (Amendment) Act (with retrospective effect).[as the installment or as part of this installment to be made under the foregoing provisions of this section before the application for registration is made whether any such application is or is not in fact made].

 

(8) A deposit made in cash shall be held by the Reserve Bank of India to the credit of the insurer and shall 153[a] Inserted and deemed always to have been inserted by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1940 (20 of 1940), Section 4. [except to the extent, if any, to which the cash has been invested in securities under sub-section (9A)], be returnable to the insurer in cash in any case in which under the provisions of this Act a deposit is to be returned; and any interest accruing due and collected on securities deposited under sub-section (1) or sub-section (2) shall be paid to the insurer, subject only to deduction of the normal commission chargeable for the realization of interest.

 

154[a] Sub-sections (9), (9A) and (9B) were substituted and deemed always to have been substituted by Act 20 of 1940, Section 4. [(9) The insurer may at any time replace any securities deposited by him under this section with the Reserve Bank of India either by cash or by other approved securities or partly cash and partly by other approved securities, provided that such cash, or the value of such other approved securities estimated at the market rates prevailing at the time of replacement, or such cash together with such value, as the case may be, is not less than the value of the securities replaced estimated at the market rates prevailing when they were deposited.

 

(9A) The Reserve Bank of India shall, if so requested by the insurer,-

 

(a) sell any securities deposited by him with the Bank under this section and hold the cash realised by such sale as deposit, or

(b) invest in approved securities specified by the insurer the whole or any part of a deposit held by it in cash or the whole or any part of cash received by it on the sale of or on the maturing of securities deposited by the insurer, and hold the securities in which investment is so made as deposit,

155[a] Inserted by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1941 (13 of 1941), Section 7 (8-4-1941). [and may charge the normal commission on such sale or on such investment].

 

(9B) Where sub-section (9A) applies,-

 

(a) if the cash realised by the sale of or on the maturing of the securities (excluding in the former case the interest accrued) falls short of the market value of the securities at the date on which they were deposited with the Bank, the insurer shall make good the deficiency by a further deposit either in cash or in approved securities estimated at the market value of the securities on the day on which they are deposited, or partly in cash and partly in approved securities so estimated, within a period of two months from the date on which the securities matured or were sold or where the securities matured or were sold before the 21st day of March, 1940, within a period of four months from the commencement of the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1940; and unless he does so the insurer shall be deemed to have failed to comply with the requirements of this section as to deposits; and

(b) if the cash realised by the sale of or on the maturing of the securities (excluding in the former case the interest accrued) exceeds the market value of the securities at the date on which they were deposited with the Bank, the Central Government may, if satisfied that the full amount required to be deposited under sub-section (1) is in deposit, direct the Reserve Bank to return the excess.]

(10) If any part of a deposit made under this section is used in the discharge of any liability of the insurer, the insurer shall deposit such additional sum in cash or approved securities 156[a] Inserted by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1940 (20 of 1940), Section 4. [estimated at the market value of the securities on the day of deposit, or partly in cash and partly in such securities,] as will make up .the amount so used. The insurer shall be deemed to have failed to comply with the requirements of sub-section (1), unless the deficiency is supplied within a period of two months from the date when the deposit or any part thereof is so used for discharge of liabilities.

 

Section 8 Reservation of deposits

 

(1) Any deposit made under section 7157[a] Inserted by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1939 (I; of 1939), Section 4. [or section 98] shall be deemed to be part of the assets of the insurer but shall not be susceptible of any assignment or charge; nor shall it be available for the discharge of any liability of the insurer other than liabilities arising out of policies of insurance issued by the insurer so tong as any such liabilities remain undischarged; nor shall it be liable to attachment in execution of any decree except a decree obtained by a policy-holder of the insurer in respect of a debt due upon a policy which debt the policy-holder has failed to realise in any other way.

 

(2) Where a deposit is made in respect of life insurance business, the deposit made in respect thereof shall not be available for the discharge of any liability of the insurer other than liabilities arising out of policies of life insurance issued by the insurer.

 

Section 9 Refund of deposit

 

[. .- Where an insurer has ceased to carry on in India all classes of insurance business, and his liabilities in India in respect of all classes of insurance business have been satisfied or are otherwise provided for, the Court may, on the application of the insurer, order the return to the insurer of the deposit made by him under this Act.]

 

Section 10 Separation of accounts and funds

 

(1) Where the insurer carries on business of more than one of the 159[a] Substituted for certain words by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1968 (62 of 1968), Section 8 (1-6-1969). [following classes, namely, life insurance, fire insurance, marine insurance or miscellaneous], he shall keep a separate account of all receipts and payments in respect of each such class of insurance business 160[b] Inserted by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1941 (13 of 1941), section 8 (8-4-1941). [and where the insurer carries on business of the 161[a] Substituted for certain words by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1968 (62 of 1968), Section 8 (1-6-1969). [miscellaneous insurance], whether atone or in conjunction with business of another class, he shall, unless the 162[c] Substituted for "Superintendent of Insurance", by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950 (47 of 1950), section 4 (1-6-1950). [Controller] waives this requirement in writing, keep a separate account of all receipts and payments in respect of 163[a] Substituted for certain words by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1968 (62 of 1968), Section 8 (1-6-1969). [each of such subclasses of miscellaneous insurance business] as may be prescribed in this behalf: Provided that no sub-class of 164[a] Substituted for certain words by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1968 (62 of 1968), Section 8 (1-6-1969). [miscellaneous insurance business] shall be prescribed under this sub-section if the insurance business comprised in the sub-class consists of insurance contracts which are terminable by the insurer at intervals not exceeding twelve months and under which, if a claim arises, the insurer's liability to pay benefit ceases within one year of the date on which the claim arose.]

 

(2) Where the insurer carries on the business of life insurance [all receipts due in respect of such business], shall be carried to and shall form a separate fund to be called the life insurance fund [the assets of which shall, after the expiry of six months from the commencement of the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1946, be kept distinct and separate from all other assets of the insurer] and the deposit made by the insurer in respect of life insurance business shall be deemed to be [part of the assets of such fund, 165[g] Substituted for certain words by Act (47 of 1950), section 11 (1-6-1950). [and every insurer shall, within the time limited in Section 15(1) in regard to the furnishing of the statements and accounts referred to in section 11, furnish to the Controller a statement showing in detail such assets as at the ctose of every calendar year duly certified by an auditor or by a person qualified to audit under the law of the insurer's country: Provided that such statement shall, in the case of an insurer to whom section 11 applies, be set out as a part of the balance-sheet mentioned in clause (a) of sub-section (1) of that section: Provided further that an insurer may show in such statement all the assets held in his life department, but at the same time showing any deductions on account of general reserves and other liabilities of that department : Provided also that the Controller may call for a statement similarly certified of such assets as at any other date specified by him to be furnished within a period of three months from the date with reference to which the statement is called for]].

 

166[e] Inserted, by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1946 (6 of 1946), section 8 (20-3-1946). [(2A) No insurer carrying on life insurance business shall be entitled to be registered for any class of insurance business in addition to the class or classes for which he has been already registered unless the 167[c] Substituted for "Superintendent of Insurance", by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950 (47 of 1950), section 4 (1-6-1950). [Controller] is satisfied that the assets of the life insurance fund of the insurer are adequate to meet all his liabilities on policies of life insurance maturing for payment.]

 

(3) The life insurance fund shall be as absolutely the security of the life policy-holders as though it belonged to an insurer carrying on no other business than life insurance business and shall not be liable for any contracts of the insurer for which it would not have been liable had the business of the insurer been only that of life insurance and shall not be applied directly or indirectly 168[h] The words "save as provided in section 19" were omitted by Act 13 of 1941, section 8. [* * *] for any purposes 169[i] Substituted for "other than those of life insurance", by Act 13 of 1941. [other than those of the life insurance business of the insurer].

 

Section 10 (1), Proviso.- "We have added a proviso to Section 10(1) to make it clear that such classes of insurance as fire insurance and accident insurance, where the contracts do not normally extend beyond one year, are not to be required to have separate accounts kept". - S.C.R. Gaz. of India, 1941, Pt. V, p. 79. Amendments made in 1946 in sub-sec. (2).- These amendments make it clear that the life insurance fund should be separately invested and kept apart from the other assets of the insurer and also provide for annual submission and statements showing such assets. Sub-section (2A).- This sub-section provides that a person carrying on a life insurance business shall not be entitled to embark on other classes of insurance business unless die Superintendent of Insurance is satisfied that the life insurance fund is adequate to meet all his liabilities on policies of life insurance maturing for payment - S.O.R., Gazette of India, 1946, Part V, p. 13.

 

Section 11 Accounts and balance-sheet

 

(1) Every insurer, in the case of an insurer specified in sub-clause (a) (ii) or sub-clause (b) of clause (9) of section 2 in respect of all insurance business transacted by him, and in the case of any other insurer in respect of the insurance business transacted by him in India, shall at the expiration of each calendar year prepare with reference to that year-

 

(a) in accordance with the regulations contained in Part I of the First Schedule a balance-sheet in the form set forth in Part II of that Schedule;

(b) in accordance with the regulations contained in Part I of the Second Schedule, a profit and loss account in the forms set forth in Part II of that Schedule, except where the insurer carries on business of one class only of 170[a] Substituted for certain words by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1968 (62 of 1968), section 9 (1-6-1969). [the following classes, namely, life insurance, fire insuranice or marine insurance] and no other business;

(c) 171[b] Substituted for "in respect of each class of insurance business carried on by him", by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1941 (13 of 1941), section 9 (8-4-1941). [in respect of each class or sub-class of insurance business for which he is required under Section 10(1) to keep a separate account of receipts and] 172[c] Substituted for "payments in accordance with the regulations contained in Part I of the Third Schedule, a revenue account in the form or forms set forth in Part II of that", by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1946 (6 of 1946), section 9 (20-3-1946). [payments, a revenue account in accordance with the regulations, and in the form or forms, set forth in the Third] Schedule applicable to 173[d] Substituted for "that class of insurance business" by Act 13 of 1941, section 9. [that class or sub-class of insurance business].

 

(2) Unless the insurer is a company 174[e] Substituted for "to which the Indian Companies Act. 1913, applies", by Act 13 of 1941. [, as defined in clause (2) of S.2(1) of the Companies Act, 1913] the accounts and statements referred to in sub-section (1) shall be signed by the insurer, or in the case of a company by the chairman, if any, and two directors and the principal officer of the company, or in the case of a firm by two partners of the firm, and shall be 175[f] Substituted for "accompanied by a statement containing the names and descriptions of the persons in charge of the management of the business" by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950 (47 of 1950), section 12 (1-6-1950). [accompanied by a statement containing the names, descriptions and occupations of, and the directorships held by, the persons in charge of the management of the business] during the period to which such accounts and statements refer and by a report 176[g] The words "by such persons" were omitted, by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950 . [* * *] on the affairs of the business during that period.

 

(3) Where an insurer carrying on the business of insurance at the commencement of this Act has prepared the balance-sheet and accounts required by the Indian Life Assurance Companies Act, 1912, or has based his accounts upon the financial and not the calendar year the provisions of this section shall, if the Central Government so directs in any case, apply until the 31st day of December, 1939, as if in sub-section (1) references to the calendar year were references to the financial year.

 

Section 12 Audit

 

The balance-sheet, profit and loss account, revenue account and profit and loss appropriation account of every insurer, in the ease of an insurer specified in sub-clause (a) (ii) or sub-clause (b) of clause (9) of section 2 in respect of all insurance business transacted by him, and in the case of any other insurer in respect of the insurance business transacted by him in India, shall, unless they are subject to audit under the Indian Companies Act. 1913, be audited annually by an auditor, and the auditor shall in the audit of all such accounts have the powers of, exercise the functions vested in, and discharge the duties and be subject to the liabilities and penalties imposed on, auditors of companies by S.145 of the Indian Companies Act, 1913.

 

Section 13 Actuarial report and abstract

 

(1) Even' insurer carrying on life insurance business shall, in respect of the life insurance business transacted by him in India, and also in the case of an insurer specified in sub-clause (a) (ii) or sub-clause (b) of clause (9) of section 2 in respect of all life insurance business transacted by him, once at least 177 Substituted for "in every five years" by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950 (47 of 1950). section 13 (1-6-1950). [in every three years] cause an investigation to be made by an actuary into the financial condition of the life insurance business carried on by him, including a valuation of his liabilities in respect thereto and shall cause an abstract of the report of such actuary to be made in accordance with the regulations contained in Part I of the Fourth Schedule and in conformity with the requirements of Part II of that Schedule: 178 Inserted, by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950 . [Provided that the Controller may, having regard to the circumstances of any particular insurer, altow him to have the investigation made as at a date not later than four years from the date as at which the previous investigation was made : Provided further that for an insurer carrying on life insurance business in 179 Substituted for "the States" by Jammu and Kashmir (Extension of Laws) Act, 1956(62 of 1956). section 2 and Schedule (1-11-1956). [India] at the 180 1st June 1950, see S.R.0.76-A, dated 29-5-1950, published in Gazette of India, Extra, 29-5-1950. Pt. U.S. 3, p. 49. commencement of the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950, the last date as at which the first investigation after such commencement should be caused to be made by an actuary shall be-

 

(a) the 31st day of December, 1950, or the date of expiration of five years from the date as at which the last investigation was made by an actuary before such commencement, whichever is earlier, where the said last investigation was at a date-

(i) before the 31st day of December, 1946, but not more than five years before such commencement, or

(ii) after the 30th day of December, 1946, but before the 31st day of December, 1947,and had disclosed a deficit in the life insurance fund;

 

(b) the 31st day of December, 1951, where the last investigation by an actuary before such commencement was at a date-

(i) after the 30th day of December, 1946, but before the 31st day of December, 1947, and did not disclose a deficit in the life insurance fund; or

(ii) after the 30th day of December, 1947, but before the 31st day of December, 1948;

(c) the 31st day of December, 1952, where the last investigation by an actuary before such commencement was as at any date after the 30th day of December, 1948, but before the 1st day of January, 1950:

181 Substituted for "the States" by Jammu and Kashmir (Extension of Laws) Act, 1956(62 of 1956). section 2 and Schedule (1-11-1956). [India] shall, for the purpose of the preceding proviso, be deemed to be the date as at which the last investigation was made by an actuary before such commencement and such investigation shall be deemed to have disclosed no deficit in the life insurance fund].

 

(2) The provisions of sub-section (1) regarding the making of an abstract shall apply whenever at any other time an investigation into the financial condition of the insurer is made with a view to the distribution of profits or an investigation is made of which the results are made public.

 

(3) There shall be appended to every such abstract as is referred to in sub-section (1) or sub-section (2) a certificate signed by the principal officer of the insurer that full and accurate particulars of every policy under which there is a liability either actual or contingent have been furnished to the actuary for the purpose of the investigation.

 

(4) There shall be appended to every such abstract a statement, in conformity with the requirements of Part II of the Fifth Schedule and prepared in accordance with the regulations contained in Part I of that Schedule, of the life insurance business in force at the date to which the accounts of the insurer are made up for the purposes of such abstract: Provided that, if the investigation referred to in sub-sections (1) and (2) is made annually by any insurer, the statement need not be appended every year but shall be appended at least once 182[a] Substituted for "in every five years" by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950 (47 of 1950), Section 13 (1-6-1950). [in every three years].

 

(5) Where an investigation into the financial condition of an insurer is made as at a date other than the expiration of the year of account, the accounts for the period since the expiration of the last year of account, and the balance-sheet as at the date at which the investigation is made shall be prepared and audited in the manner provided by this Act.

183[a] Inserted by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1941 (19 of 941), S. 10 (8-4-1941). [(6) The provisions of this section relating to life insurance business shall apply also to any such sub-class of insurance business included in the class 'Miscellaneous Insurance' as may be prescribed under Section 10(1); and the 184[b] Substituted for "Superintendent of Insurance", by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950 (47 of 1950), S. 4 (1-6-1950). [Controller] may authorize such modifications and variations of the regulations contained in Part I of the Fourth and Fifth Schedules and of the requirements of Part II of those Schedules as may be necessary to facilitate their application to any such sub-class of insurance business: Provided that, if the 185[b] Substituted for "Superintendent of Insurance", by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950 (47 of 1950), S. 4 (1-6-1950). [Controller] is satisfied that the number and amount of the transactions carried out by an insurer in any such sub-class of insurance business is so small as to render periodic investigation and valuation unnecessary, he may exempt that insurer from the operation of this sub-section in respect of that sub-class of insurance business].

 

Section 14 Register of policies and register of claims

 

Every insurer, in the case of an insurer specified in sub-clause (a)(ii) or sub-clause (b) of clause (9) of section 2 in respect of all business transacted by him and in the case of any other insurer in respect of the insurance business transacted by him in India, shall maintain-

(a) a register or record of policies in which shall be entered, in respect of every policy issued by the insurer, the name and address of the policy holder, the date when the policy was effected and a record of any transfer, assignment or nomination of which the insurer has notice, and

 

(b) a register or record of claims, in which shall be entered every claim made together with the date of the claim, the name and address of the claimant and the date on which the claim was discharged, or, in the case of a claim which is rejected, the date of rejection and the grounds therefor.

 

Section 15 Submission of returns

 

(1) The audited accounts and statements referred to in section 11186[a] Inserted by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1946 (6 of 1946). S. 10 (20-3-1946). [or Section 13(1)] and the abstract and statement referred to in section 13 shall be printed, and four copies thereof shall be furnished as returns 187 In Section 15, sub-section (1) the words shall be substituted by Insurance (Amendment) Act, 2002 (42 of 2002), published in the Gazette of India, Extra., Part 11, Section 1"to the Authority within six months from the end of the period to which they refer" 188[d] The "sentence" the Superintendent of Insurance may extend the time allowed for furnishing the abstract and statement referred to in section 13 by a period not exceeding three months" was omitted, by the Insurance (Amendment) Act. [* * *] :

 

Provided that the said period of six months shall, in the case of insurers having their principal place of business or domicile outside India and in the case of insurers constituted, incorporated or domiciled in 189[e] Substituted for "the States" by Jammu and Kashmir (Extension of Laws) Act, 1956(62 of 1956). section 2 and Schedule (1-11-1956). [India] but also carrying on business outside India, be extended by three months, and provided further that the Central Government may in any case extend the time allowed by this sub-section for the furnishing of such returns by a further period not exceeding three months.

 

(2) Of the four copies so furnished one shall be signed in the case of a company by the chairman and two directors and by the principal officer of the company and, if the company has a managing director or managing agent by that director or managing agent, in the case of a firm, by two partners of the firm, and in the case of an insurer being an individual, by the insurer himself 190[a] Inserted by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1946 (6 of 1946). S. 10 (20-3-1946). [and one shall be signed by the author who made the audit or the actuary who made the valuation, as the case may be].

 

(3) Where the insurer's principal place of business or domicile is outside 191[e] Substituted for "the States" by Jammu and Kashmir (Extension of Laws) Act, 1956(62 of 1956). section 2 and Schedule (1-11-1956). [India], he shall forward to the 192[b] Substituted for "Superintendent of Insurance" by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950 (47 of 1950), S. 4 (1-6-1950). [Controller], atong with the documents referred to in section 11, the balance-sheet, profit and loss account and revenue account and the valuation reports and valuation statements, if any, which the insurer is required to file with the public authority of the country in which the insurer is constituted, incorporated or domiciled, or, where such documents are not required to be filed, a certified statement showing the total assets and liabilities of the insurer at the ctose of the period covered by the said documents and his total income and expenditure during that period.

 

Section 16 Returns by insurers established outside India

 

(1) Where, by the law of the country in which an insurer, not being an insurer specified in sub-clause (a) (ii) or sub-clause (b) of clause (9) of section 2 is constituted, incorporated or domiciled the insurer is required to prepare and to furnish to a public authority of that country documents of substantially the same nature as the documents required to be furnished as returns in accordance with the provisions of section 15, the provisions of sub-section (2) of this section shall apply to such insurer in lieu of the provisions of section 11, Section 12, Section 13 and Section 15.

 

(2) The insurer shall, within the time specified in Section 15(1), furnish to the 193[a] Substituted for "Superintendent of Insurance" by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950 (47 of 1950), section 4 (1-6-1950). [Controller] four certified copies in the English language of every balance-sheet, account, abstract, report and statement supplied to the public authority referred to in sub-section (1) of this section, and in addition thereto, 194[b] Substituted for "four copies", by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1939(11 of 1939), S. 7. [four certified copies] in the English language of each of the following statements, namely:-

 

(a) a statement 195[c] Inserted, by the Insurance (Amendment) Act. [audited 196[d] Inserted, by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1946 (6 of 1946), S. 1 1 (20-3-1946). [by an auditor or] by a person duly qualified under the law of the insurer's country] showing the assets held by the insurer in India 197[e] Inserted, by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1941 (13 of 1941), S. 12 (8-4-1941). [as at the date of any balance-sheet so furnished];

(b) 198[a] Substituted for "Superintendent of Insurance" by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950 (47 of 1950), section 4 (1-6-1950). [for each class or sub-class of insurance business for which he is required under Section 10(1) to keep a separate account of receipts and payments, a revenue account for the period covered by any account so 199[g] Substituted for "furnished in the form or forms set forth in Part II of" by Act 6 of 1946), S. 11 (20-3-1946). [furnished, prepared in accordance with the regulations, and in the form or forms, set forth in]] the Third Schedule applicable to 200[h] Substituted for "that class of business" by Act 13 of 1941, S. 12(8-4-1941). [that class or sub-class of insurance business] 201[c] Inserted, by the Insurance (Amendment) Act. [and similarly audited], showing separately with respect to business transacted by the insurer in India the details required to be supplied in a revenue account furnished under this clause of this sub-section;

202[i] Substituted for the former clause, by the Insurance (Amendment) Act. [(c) a separate abstract of the valuation report in respect of all business transacted in India in each class or sub-class of insurance business to which section 13 refers, prepared in the manner required by that section; and]

(d) a declaration in the prescribed form slating that all amounts received by the insurer directly or indirectly whether from his head office or from any other source outside India have been shown in the revenue accounts except such sums as properly appertain to the capital account.

 

Section 17 Exemption from certain provisions of the Indian Companies Act, 1913

 

Where an insurer, being a company incorporated under the Indian Companies Act, 1913 203[a] Inserted by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1939 (11 of 1939), S. 2. [or under the Indian Companies Act, 1882, or under the India" Companies Act, 1866, or under any Act repealed thereby], in any year furnishes 204[b] Substituted for "his accounts and balance-sheet", by the Insurance (Amendment) Act. [his balance-sheet and accounts] in accordance with the provisions of section 15, he may at the same time send to the Registrar of Companies 205[c] Substituted for "a copy of such accounts and balance sheet", by the Insurance (Amendment) Act. [copies of such balance-sheet and accounts]; and 206[d] Substituted for "where such copy is so sent", by the Insurance (Amendment) Act. [where such copies are so sent] it shall not be necessary for the company 207[e] Substituted for "to file a balance-sheet", by the Insurance (Amendment) Act. [to file copies of the balance-sheet and accounts] with the Registrar as required by section 134(1) of 208[g] Substituted for "the copy of the accounts and balance-sheet so sent" by Act 11 of 1939, S. 8. [the first-mentioned Act] and 209[f] Substituted for "that Act" by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1946 (6 of 1946), S. 12(20-3-1946). [such copies so sent] 210[h] Inserted, by the Insurance (Amendment) Act. 1941 (13 of 1941), S. 13 (8-4-1941). [shall be chargeable with the same fees and] shall be dealt with in all respects as if they were filed in accordance with that section.

 

Section 17A This Act not to apply to preparation of accounts, etc., for periods prior to this Act coming into force

 

[. .- Nothing in this Act shall apply to the preparation of accounts by an insurer and the audit and submission thereof in respect of any accounting year which has expired prior to the commencement of this Act, and notwithstanding the other provisions of this Act, such accounts shall be prepared, audited and submitted in accordance with the law in force immediately before the commencement of this Act.]

 

Section 18 Furnishing reports

 

Every insurer shall furnish to the 212[a] Substituted for "Superintendent of Insurance" by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950 (47 of 1950), section 4 (1-6-1950). [Controller] a certified copy of every report on the affairs of the concern which is submitted to the members of policy-holders of the insurer immediately after its submission to the members or policy-holders, as the case may be.

 

Section 19 Abstract of proceedings of general meetings

 

Every insurer, being a company or body incorporated under any law for the time being in force in 213[a] Substituted for "the Stales" by Jammu and Kashmir (Extension of Laws) Act, 1956 (62 of 1956), section 2 and Schedule (1-11-1956). [India], shall furnish to the 214[b] Substituted for "Superintendent of Insurance" by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950 (47 of 1950), section 4 (1-6-1950). [Controller] 215[c] Substituted for "an abstract of the proceedings of every general meeting", by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, section 14 (1-6-1950). [a certified copy of the minutes of the proceedings of every general meeting, as entered in the Minutes Book of the insurer] within thirty days from the holding of the meeting to which it relates.

 

Section 20 Custody and inspection of documents and supply of copies

 

(1) Every return furnished to the 216[a] Substituted for "Superintendent of Insurance" by the Insurance (Amendment) Act. 1950 (47 of 1950). section 4 (1-6-1950). [Controller] or a certified copy thereof shall be kept by the 217[b] Substituted for "Superintendent", by the Insurance (Amendment) Act. [Controller] and shall be open to inspection; and any person may procure a copy of any such return, or of any part thereof, on payment of a fee of six annas for every hundred words or fractional part thereof required to be copied, any five figures being deemed equivalent to one word.

 

(2) A printed or certified copy of the accounts, statements and abstract furnished in accordance with the provisions of section 15 or section 16 shall, on the application of any shareholder or policy-holder made at any time within two years from the date on which the document was so furnished, be supplied to him by the insurer within fourteen days when the insurer is constituted, incorporated or domiciled in 218[c] Substituted for "the States" by Jammu and Kashmir (Extension of Laws) Act, 1956 (62 of 19561. section 2 and Schedule (1-11-1956). [India] and in any other case within one month of such application,

 

(3) A copy of the memorandum and articles of association of the insurer, if a company shall, on the application of any policy-holder, be supplied to him by the insurer on payment of one rupee.

 

Section 21 Powers of Controller regarding returns

 

(1) If it appears to the 219 Substituted for "Superintendent of Insurance" by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950 (47 of 1950), section 4 (1-6-1950). [Controller] that any return furnished to him under the provisions of this Act is inaccurate or defective in any respect, he may -

 

(a) require from the insurer such further information, certified if he so directs by an auditor or actuary, as he may consider necessary, to correct or supplement such return;

(b) call upon the insurer to submit for his examination at the principal place of business of the insurer in 220 Substituted for "the States" by Jammu and Kashmir (Extension of Laws) Act, 1956 (62 of 1956), section 2 and Schedule (1-11-1956). [India] any book of account, register or other document or to supply any statement which he may specify in a notice served on the insurer for the purpose;

(c) examine any officer of the insurer on oath in relation to the return;

(d) decline to accept any such return unless the inaccuracy has been corrected or the deficiency has been supplied before the expiry of one month from the date on which the requisition asking for correction of the inaccuracy or supply of the deficiency was delivered to the insurer 221 Inserted by Act 47 of 1950, section 15(1-6-1950). [or of such further time as the Controller may specify in the requisition] and if he declines to accept any such return, the insurer shall bedeemed to have failed to comply with the provisions of section 15 or section 16222 Inserted by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1946 (6 of 1946), section 13 (20-3-1946). [or section 28] 223 Inserted by Act 47 of 1950, section 15(1-6-1950). [or section 28A] [or section 28B or section 64V] relating to the furnishing of returns.

 

(2) The Court may, on the application of an insurer and after hearing the 224 Substituted for "Superintendent", by the Insurance (Amendment) Act. [Controller] cancel any order made by the 225 Substituted for "Superintendent", by the Insurance (Amendment) Act. [Controller] under clause (a), (b) or (c) of sub-section (1) or may direct the acceptance of any return which the 226 Substituted for "Superintendent", by the Insurance (Amendment) Act. [Controller] has declined to accept, if the insurer satisfies the Court that the action of the 227 Substituted for "Superintendent", by the Insurance (Amendment) Act. [Controller] was in the circumstances unreasonable : 228 Inserted, by the Insurance (Amendment) Act. 1941 (13 of 1941), section 14(8-4-1941. [Provided that no application under this sub-section shall be entertained unless it is made before the expiration of four months from time when the 229 Substituted for "Superintendent of Insurance" by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950 (47 of 1950), section 4 (1-6-1950). [Controller] made the order or declined to accept the return.]

 

Section 22 Powers of Controller to order revaluation

 

[(1)] If it appears to the 230[b] Substituted for "Superintendent of Insurance", by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950 (47 of 1950), section 4 (1-6-1950). [Controller] that an investigation or valuation to which section 13 refers 231[c] Inserted, by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1941 (13 of 1941), section 15 (8-4-1941). [or an abstract of a valuation report furnished under clause (c) of Section 16(2)] does not properly indicate the condition of the affairs of the insurer by reason of the faulty basis adopted in the valuation, he may, after giving notice to the insurer and giving him an opportunity to be heard, cause an investigation and valuation 232[d] Inserted by Act 6 of 1946, section 14 (20-3-1946). [as at such date as the 233[b] Substituted for "Superintendent of Insurance", by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950 (47 of 1950), section 4 (1-6-1950). [Controller] may specify] to be made at the expense of the insurer by an actuary appointed by the insurer for this purpose and approved by the 234[b] Substituted for "Superintendent of Insurance", by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950 (47 of 1950), section 4 (1-6-1950). [Controller] 235[d] Inserted by Act 6 of 1946, section 14 (20-3-1946). [and the insurer shall place at the disposal of the actuary so appointed and approved all the material required by the actuary for the purposes of the investigation and valuation within such period, not being less than three months, as the 236[b] Substituted for "Superintendent of Insurance", by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950 (47 of 1950), section 4 (1-6-1950). [Controller] may specify].

 

237[a] Section 22 was renumbered as sub-section (1) of that section and sub-section (2) was inserted by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1946 (6 of 1946), section 14 (20-3-1946). [(2) The provisions of Section 13(1) , Section 15(4), and of sub-sections (1) and (2) of section 15or, as the case may be, of Section 16(2), shall apply in relation to an investigation and valuation under this section: Provided that the abstract and statement prepared as the result of such investigation and valuation shall be furnished by such date as the 238[b] Substituted for "Superintendent of Insurance", by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950 (47 of 1950), section 4 (1-6-1950). [Controller] may specify.]

 

Section 23 Evidence of documents

 

(1) Every return furnished to the 239[a] Substituted for "Superintendent of Insurance" by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950 (47 of 1950), Section 4 (1-6-1950). [Controller] which has been certified by the [Controller] to be a return so furnished, shall be deemed to be a return so furnished.

 

(2) Every document, purporting to be certified by the 240[a] Substituted for "Superintendent of Insurance" by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950 (47 of 1950), Section 4 (1-6-1950). [Controller] to be a copy of a return so furnished, shall be deemed to be a copy of that return and shall be received in evidence as if it were the original return, unless some variation between it and the original return is proved.

 

Section 24 Summary of returns to be published

 

[Omitted by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1941 (13 of 1941), section 16 (8-4-1941).]

 

Section 25 Returns to be published in statutory forms

 

No insurer shall publish in 241[a] Substituted for "the States" by Jammu and Kashmir (Extension of Laws) Act, 1956 (62 of 1956), section 2 and Schedule (1-11-1956). [India] any return in a form other than that in which it has been furnished to the 242[b] Substituted for "Superintendent of Insurance" by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950 (47 of 1950), section 4 (1-6-1950). [Controller] : Provided that nothing contained in this section shall prevent an insurer from publishing a true and accurate abstract from such returns for the purposes of publicity.

 

Section 26 Alternations in the particulars furnished with application for registration to be reported

 

Whenever any alteration occurs or is made which affects any of the matters which are required under the provisions of Section 3(2) to accompany an application by an insurer for registration, the insurer shall forthwith furnish to the 243[ab] Substituted for "Superintendent of Insurance" by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950 (47 of 1950). section 4(1-6-1950). [Controller] full particulars of such alteration. [All such particulars shall be authenticated in the manner required by that sub-section for the authentication of the matters therein referred to. and, where the alteration affects the assured rates, advantages, terms and conditions offered in connection with life insurance policies, the actuarial certificate referred to in clause (f) of the said sub-section shall accompany the particulars of the alteration.]

 

Section 27 Investment of assets

 

(1) Every insurer shall invest and at all times keep invested assets equivalent to not less than the sum of-

 

(a) the amount of his liabilities to holders of life insurance policies in India on account of matured claims, and

(b) the amount required to meet the liability on policies of life insurance maturing for payment in India,

(i) the amount of premiums which have fallen due to the insurer on such policies but have not been paid and the days of grace for payment of which have not expired, and

(ii) any amount due to the insurer for loans granted on and within the surrender values of policies of life insurance maturing for payment in India issued by him or by an insurer whose business he has acquired and in respect of which he has assumed liability,

 

Section 27A(1) or, subject to the limitations, conditions and restrictions specified in sub-section (2) of that section, in any other investment.]

 

(2) For the purposes of sub-section (1),-

 

(a) the amount of any deposit made under section 7 or section 98 by the insurer in respect of his life insurance business shall be deemed to be assets invested or kept invested in Government securities;

(b) the securities of, or guaranteed as to principal and interest by, the Government of the United Kingdom shall be regarded as approved securities other than Government securities for a period of four years from the commencement of the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950. in the manner and to the extent hereinafter specified, namely:-

(i) during the first year, to the extent of twenty-five per cent in value of the sum referred to in sub-section (1);

(ii) during the second year, to the extent of eighteen and three-fourths per cent. in value of the said sum;

(iii) during the third year, to the extent of twelve and a half per cent, in value of the said sum; and

(iv) during the fourth year, to the extent of six and a quarter per cent. in value of the said sum:

 

(c) any prescribed assets shall, subject to such conditions, if any, as may be prescribed, be deemed to be assets invested or kept invested in approved investments specified in Section 27A(1).

 

(3) In computing the assets referred to in sub-section (1),-

 

(a) any investment made with reference to any currency other than the Indian rupee which is in excess of the amount required to meet the liabilities of the insurer in India with reference to that currency, to the extent of such excess; and

(b) any investment made in the purchase of any immovable property outside India or on the security of any such property,

 

(4) Where an insurer has accepted reassurance in respect of any policies of life insurance issued by another insurer and maturing for payment in India or has ceded reassurance to another insurer in respect of any such policies issued by himself, the sum referred to in sub-section (1) shall be increased by the amount of the liability involved in such acceptance and decreased by the amount of the liability involved in such cession.

 

(5) The Government securities and other approved securities in which assets are under sub-section (1) to be invested and kept investec shall be held by the insurer free of any encumbrance, charge, hypothecation or lien.

 

(6) The assets required by this section to be held invested by an insurer incorporated or domiciled outside 245[a] Substituted for "the States" by Jammu and Kashmir (Extension of Laws) Act, 1956 (62 of 1956). section 2 and Schedule (1-11-1956). [India] shall, except to the extent of any part thereof which consist of foreign assets held outside 246[a] Substituted for "the States" by Jammu and Kashmir (Extension of Laws) Act, 1956 (62 of 1956). section 2 and Schedule (1-11-1956). [India] be held in 247[a] Substituted for "the States" by Jammu and Kashmir (Extension of Laws) Act, 1956 (62 of 1956). section 2 and Schedule (1-11-1956). [India], and all such assets shall be held in trust for the discharge of the liabilities of the nature referred to in sub-section (1) and shall be vested in trustees resident in 248[a] Substituted for "the States" by Jammu and Kashmir (Extension of Laws) Act, 1956 (62 of 1956). section 2 and Schedule (1-11-1956). [India] and approved by the Central Government, and the instrument of trust under this sub-section shall be executed by the insurer with the approval of the Central Government and shall define the manner in which atone the subject-matter of the trust shall be dealt with.

 

The amendment made in the year 1950 "reduces by five per cent. the quantum of compulsory investments to be held in Government and approved securities, prescribes the proportions to be held in these and provides that investments shall be held free of any encumbrance. United Kingdom Government securities will also cease to be authorized investment for this purpose and time should easily be left to be regulated by rules. Hence the proposed section 27 (2)(c). We also feel that the Central Government should have the power to direct that in computing the assets, any investment made is allowed for the change-over. Non-Indian insurers should hold their compulsory investments in India."-S.O.R..Gazette of India, 1949, Extra, page 2213. "We feel that invisible assets like interest (outstanding and accrued), cash, furniture, fittings and stationery should be considered as approved investments, but the matter outside India (for example, in Pakistan) belonging to insurers in India should be taken into account in the prescribed manner."-S.C.R.;, Gazette of India. 1950, Pt. II, section 2, page 100.

 

Section 27A Further provisions regarding investments

 

(1) No insurer shall invest or keep invested any part of his controlled fund otherwise than in any of the following approved investments, namely:-

 

(a) approved securities;

(b) securities of, or guaranteed as to principal and interest by, the Government of the United Kingdom;

(c) debentures or other securities for money issued with the permission of the State Government by any municipality in a State;

(d) debentures or other securities tor money issued by any authority constituted under any housing or building scheme approved by the Central or a State Government, or by any authority or body constituted by any Central Act or Act of a State Legislature;

(e) first mortgages on immovable property situated in India under any housing or building scheme of the insurer approved by the Central Government or a State Government;

(f) debentures secured by a first charge on any immovable property, plant or equipment of any company which has paid interest in full for the five years immediately preceding or for at least five out of the six or sever, years immediately preceding on such or similar debentures issued by it;

(g) debentures secured by a first charge on anv immovable property, plant or equipment of any company where either the book value or the market value, whichever is less, of such property, plant or equipment is more than three times the value of such debentures;

(h) first debentures secured by a ftoating charge on all its assets of any company which has paid dividends on its ordinary shares for the five years immediately preceding or for at least five out of the six or seven years immediately preceding;

(i) preference shares of any company which has paid dividends on its ordinary shares for the five years immediately preceding or for at least five out of the six or seven years immediately preceding;

(j) preference shares of any company on which dividends have been paid for the five years , immediately preceding or for at least five out of the six or seven years immediately preceding and which have priority in payment over all the ordinary shares of the company in winding up;

(k) shares of any company which have been guaranteed by another company, such other company have paid dividends on its ordinary shares for the five years immediately preceding or for at least five out of the six or seven years immediately preceding: Provided that the total amount of shares of all the companies under guarantee by the guaranteeing company is not in excess of fifty per cent of the paid-up amount of preference and ordinary shares of the guaranteeing company;

(l) shares of any company on which dividends of not less than four per cent. including bonus have been paid for the seven years immediately preceding or for at least seven out of the eight or nine years immediately preceding;

(m) first mortgages on immovable property situated in 250 Substituted for "the States" by Jammu and kashmir (Extension of Laws) Act. 1956 (62 of 1956), section 2 and Schedule (1-11-1956). [India] or in any other country where the insurer is carrying on insurance business : Provided that the property mortgaged is not leasehold property with an outstanding term of less than thirty years and the value of the property exceeding by one-third, or if it consists of buildings, exceeds by one-half, the mortgage-money;

 

(n) immovable property situated in 251 Substituted for "the States" by Jammu and kashmir (Extension of Laws) Act. 1956 (62 of 1956), section 2 and Schedule (1-11-1956). [India] or in any other country where the insurer is carrying on insurance business : Provided that the property is free of all encumbrances;

(o) loans on life interests, or on policies of life insurance within their surrender values issued by him or by an insurer whose business he has acquired and in respect of which business he has assumed liability;

(p) life interest;

(q) fixed deposits with banks included for the time being in the Second Schedule to the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934, or with co-operative societies registered under the Indian Co-operative Societies Act, 1912, or under any other law for the time being in force, the primary object of which is to finance other co-operative societies similarly registered;

(r) debentures of, or shares in co-operative societies registered under the Indian Co-operative Societies Act, 1912, or under any other law for the time being in force;

(s) such other investments as the Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, declare to be approved investments for the purposes of this section.

 

(2) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (1), an insurer being a company or a co-operative life insurance society as defined in clause (b) of Section 95(1), may, subject to the provisions contained in the next succeeding sub-sections, invest or keep invested any part of his controlled fund otherwise than in approved investment, if -

 

(i) after such investment, the total amount of all such investments of the insurer do not exceed fifteen per cent. of the sum referred to in Section 27(1),

(ii) the investment is made, or, in the case of any investment already made, the continuance of such investment is with the consent of all the directors present at a meeting and eligible to vote, special notice of which has been given to all the directors then in 252[a] Substituted for "the States" by Act (62 of 1956), S.2 .and Sch. (1-11-1956). [India], and all such investments, including investments in which any director is interested, are reported without delay to the Controller with full details of the investments and the extent of the director's interest in any such investment.

 

(3) An insurer shall not out of his controlled fund invest or keep invested in the shares of any one banking company or investment company more than -

 

(a) two and quarter per cent. of the sum referred to in Section 27(1), or

(b) two per cent. of the subscribed share capital and debentures of the banking company or investment company concerned, whichever is less.

 

(4) An insurer shall not out of the controlled fund invest or keep invested in the shares or debentures of any one company other than a banking company or investment company more than-

 

(a) two and a quarter per cent. of the sum referred to in Section 27(1), or

(b) ten per cent. of the subscribed share capital and debentures of the company, whichever is less:

 

(5) An insurer shall not out of his controlled fund invest or keep invested any sum in the shares or debentures of any private limited company.

 

(6) Where an investment is in partly paid-up shares, the uncalled liability on such shares shall be added to the amount invested tor the purpose of computing the percentages referred to in clause (a) of sub-section (3) and clause (a) of sub-section (4).

 

(7) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-sections (3) and (4), where new shares are issued to the existing shareholders by a company, the existing shares of which are covered by clause (i) or clause (k) or clause (1) of sub-section (1) and of which an insurer is already a shareholder, the insurer may subscribe to such new shares : Provided that the proportion of new shares subscribed by him does not exceed the proportion which the paid-up amount on the shares held by him immediately before such subscription bears to the total paid-up capital of the company at the time of such subscription.

 

(8) If, on an application submitted through the Controller the Central Government is satisfied that special grounds exist warranting such exemption, the Central Government may for such period, to such extent and in relation to such particular investments and subject to such conditions as may be specified by it in this behalf, exempt an insurer from all or any of the provisions of sub-sections (3), (4) and (7).

 

(9) An insurer shall not keep more than three per cent of the controlled fund in fixed deposit or current deposit, or partly in fixed deposit and partly in current deposit, with any one banking company or with any one co-operative society registered under the Indian Co-operative Societies Act, 1912, or under any other law for the time being in force and doing banking business: Provided that in applying this sub-section to the amount in deposit with a banking company on any day all the premiums collected by that company on behalf of the insurer during the preceding thirty days shall be excluded Provided further that the Controller may permit a co-operative life insurance society as defined in clause (b) of Section 95(1) to keep more than three per cent. of its controlled fund in fixed deposit with any co-operative society referred to in this sub-section, if the fixed deposit is secured by a first mortgage on any immovable property.

 

(10) All assets forming the controlled fund, not being Government securities or other approved securities in which assets are to be invested or held invested in accordance with section 27, shall (except for a part thereof not exceeding one-tenth of the controlled fund in value which may, subject to such conditions and restrictions as may be prescribed, be offered as security for any loan taken for purposes of any investment), be held free of any encumbrance, charge, hypothecation or lien.

 

(11) if at any time the Central Government considers any one or more of the investments constituting an insurer's controlled fund to be unsuitable or undesirable, the Central Government may, after giving the insurer an opportunity of being heard, direct him to realise the investment or investments, and the insurer shall comply with the direction within such time as may be specified in this behalf by the Central Government.

 

(12) Every insurer in existence at the commencement of the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950, whose investments or any part thereof at such commencement contravene or contravenes any of the provisions of this section, shall, within ninety days from the commencement, submit to the Controller a report specifying all such investments, and if the Central Government is satisfied that it will not be in the interest of the insurer or any class of insurers generally to realise any such investments, it may, by order direct that the provisions of this section (other than the provisions contained in sub-section (11)), shall not apply in relation to any such investments or to any class of investments generally for such period or periods as may be specified in the order.

 

(13) Without prejudice to the powers given to the Central Government by sub-section (11), nothing contained in this section shall be deemed to require any insurer to realise any investment made in conformity with the provisions, of sub-section (1) after the commencement of this Act which, after the making thereof, has ceased to be an approved investment within the meaning of this section.

 

(14) Nothing contained in this section shall be deemed to affect in any way the manner in which any moneys relating to the provident fund of any employee or to any security taken from any employee or other moneys of a like nature are required to be held by or under any Central Act, or Act of a State Legislature.

 

This section "institutes a class of 'Approved Investments' and places certain restrictions on the investment of life insurance fund and certain other funds of an insurer including restrictions on the amounts that can be kept by an insurer in the shares of any one banking, investment or joints stock company and on the amount that can be kept in deposit in any one banking company. It also provides for requiring an undesirable or unsuitable investment to be vacated."-- S.O.R., Gazette of India, 1949, Extra, page 2213. "We have added a few items to the list of approved investments and have clarified the position with regards to co-operative societies and co-operative banks. It might cause hardship to any insurer to realise any investment properly made which has ceased to be an approved investment after it has been so made. We have, therefore, provided for this contingency in the proposed section 27A (13)".- S.C.R., S.2 OF THE Gazette of India, 1950. page 100.

 

Section 27B Further provisions regarding investments

 

(1) No insurer carrying on general insurance business shall, after the commencement of the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1968, invest or keep invested any part of his assets otherwise than in any of the following approved investments, namely:-

 

(a) the investments specified in clauses (a) to (e), (n), (q) and (r) of Section 27A(1);

(b) debentures secured by a First charge on any immovable property, plant or equipment of any company which has paid interest in full for the three years immediately preceding or for at least three out of the four or five years immediately preceding on such or similar debentures issued by it;

(c) debentures secured by a first charge on any immovable property, plant or equipment of any company where either the book value or the market value, whichever is less, of such property, plant or equipment is more than twice the value of such debentures;

(d) first debentures secured by a ftoating charge on all its assets or by a fixed charge on fixed assets and ftoating charge on all other assets of any company which has paid dividends on its equity shares for the three years immediately preceding or for at least three out of the four or five years immediately preceding the date of the investment;

(e) preference shares of any company which has paid dividends on its equity shares for the three years immediately preceding or for at least three out of the four or five years immediately preceding;

(f) preference shares of any company on which dividends have been paid for the three years immediately preceding or for at least three out of the four or five years immediately preceding and which have priority in payment over all the equity shares of the company in winding up;

(g) shares of any company which have been guaranteed by another company, such other company having paid dividends on its equity shares for the three years immediately preceding or for at least three out of the four or five years immediately preceding: Provided that the total amount of shares of all the companies under guarantee by the guaranteeing company is not in excess of fifty per cent. of the paid up amount of preference and equity shares of the guaranteeing company;

(h) shares of any company on which dividends of not less than four per cent. including bonus have been paid for the three years immediately preceding or for at least three out of the four or five years immediately preceding;

(i) first mortgages on immovable property situated in India or in any other country where the insurer is carrying on insurance business :

(j) such other investments as the Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, declare to be approved investments for the purposes of this section.

 

(2) Any prescribed assets shall, subject to such conditions, if any, as may be prescribed, be deemed to be assets invested or kept invested in approved investments specified in sub-section (1).

 

(3) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (1), an insurer may, subject to the provisions contained in the next succeeding sub-sections invest or keep invested any part of his assets otherwise than in an approved investment specified in sub-section (1), if,-

 

(i) after such investment, the total amounts of allsuch investments of the insurer do not exceed twenty-five per cent. of his assets, and

(ii) the investment is made, or, in the case of any investment already made. the continuance of such investment is with the consent of all the directors, other than the directors appointed under section 34C, present at a meeting and eligible to vote, special notice of which has been given to all the directors then in India, and all such investments, including investments in which any director is interested, are reported without delay to the Controller with full details of the investments and the extent of the director's interest in any such investment :

section 34C.

 

(4) An insurer shall not invest or keep invested any part of his assets in the shares of any one banking company or investment company more than-

 

(a) ten per cent. of his assets, or

(b) two per cent. of the subscribed share capital and debentures of the banking company or investment company concerned,

 

(5) An insurer shall not invest or keep invested any part of his assets in the shares or debentures of any one company other than a banking company or investment company more than-

 

(a) ten per cent. of his assets, or

(b) ten per cent. of the subscribed share capital and debentures of the company,

S.3 of the Companies Act, 1956, and carries on insurance or re-insurance business in India.

 

(6) An insurer shall not invest or keep invested any part of his assets in the shares or debentures of any private company.

 

(7) Where an investment is in partly paid-up shares, the uncalled liability on such shares shall be added to the amount invested tor the purpose of computing the percentages referred to in clause (a) of sub-section (4) or clause (a) of sub-section (5).

 

(8) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-sections (4) and (5), where new shares are issued to the existing shareholders by a company, the existing shares of which are covered by clause (e) or clause (g) or clause (h) of sub-s.(l) and of which an insurer is already a shareholder, the insurer may subscribe to such new shares: Provided that the proportion of new shares subscribed by him does not exceed the proportion which the paid-up amount on the shares held by him immediately before such subscription bears to the total paid-up capital of the company at the time of such subscription.

 

(9) If, on an application submitted to the Controller, he is satisfied that special grounds exist warranting such exemption, he may for such period, to such extent and in relation to such particular investments and subject to such conditions as may be specified by him in this behalf, exempt an insurer from all or any of the provisions of sub-sections (4), (5) and (8).

 

(10) An insurer shall not keep more than ten per cent. of his assets in fixed deposit or current deposit, or partly in fixed deposit and partly in current deposit, with any one banking company or with any co-operative society registered under the Co-operative Societies Act, 1912, or under any other law for the time being in force and doing banking business : Provided that in applying this sub-section to the amount in deposit with a banking company on any day, all the premiums credited during the preceding sixty days, to the account of the insurer with such banking company and the amounts deposited, during the preceding thirty days, by such insurer with that banking company for payment of claims or out of re-insurance recoveries, shall be excluded.

 

(11) All assets shall (except for a part thereof not exceeding one-tenth of the total assets in value which may, subject to such conditions and restrictions as may be prescribed, be offered as security for any loan taken for purposes of any investment or for payment of claims, or which may be kept as security deposit with the banks for acceptance of policies) be held free of any encumbrance, charge, hypothecation or lien.

 

(12) If at any time the Controller considers any one or more of the investments constituting an insurer's assets to-be unsuitable or undesirable, he may, after giving the insurer an opportunity of being heard, direct the insurer to realise the investment or investments, and the insurer shall comply with the direction within such time as may be specified in this behalf by the Controller.

 

(13) Every insurer in existence at the commencement of the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1968, whose investments or any part thereof at such commencement do or does not fulfil the requirements of this section, shall, within ninety days from such commencement, submit to the Controller a report specifying all such investments, and, if the Controller is satisfied that it will not be in the interest of the insurer or any class of insurers generally to realise any such investments, he may, by order, direct that the provisions of this section, other than the provisions contained in sub-section (12), shall not apply in relation to any such investments or to any class of investments generally for such period or periods as may be specified in the order.

 

(14) Without prejudice to the powers conferred on the Controller by sub-section (12), nothing contained in this section shall be deemed to require any insurer to realise any investment made in conformity with the provisions, of sub-section (1) after the commencement of the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1968, which, after the making thereof, has ceased to be an approved investment within the meaning of this section.

 

(15) Nothing contained in this section shall be deemed to affect in any way the manner in which any moneys relating to the provident fund of any employee or to any security taken from any employee or other moneys of a like nature are required to be held by or under any Central, Provincial or State Act.

 

(16) In this section, unless the context otherwise requires, "assets" means-

 

(a) in the case of an insurer carrying on life insurance business in India, all his assets required to be shown under the column "Other Classes of Business" in the balance-sheet in Form A in Part II of the First Schedule, but excluding any items against the head "Other Accounts (to be specified)";

(b) in the case of an insurer specified in sub-clause (a)(ii) or sub-clause (b) of clause (9) of section 2, who is not carrying on life insurance business in India, all his assets required to be shown in the balance-sheet in Form A in Part II of the First Schedule but excluding any items against the head "Other Accounts (to be specified)": and

(c) in the case of any other insurer, the assets required to be shown in the statement in Form AA, in Part II of the First Schedule, but excluding office furniture,

 

"cause 11.-The new section 27B is on the same lines as the existing section 27A with appropriate modifications and seeks to make the provisions of that section applicable to insurers, carrying on general insurance business. The new section provides that the investments of the assets of general insurers carrying on general insurance business should be made only in approved investments

 

Section 28 Statement of investments of assets

 

254[a] Sub-sections (1), (2), (3) and (4) were substituted for the original sub-section (1) by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1941 (13 of 1941), section 18 (8-4.1941). [(1) Every insurer 255[b] The words "registered under this Act" were omitted, :bid, 1950 (47 of 1950), section 18 (1-6-1950). [* * * * *] carrying on the business of life insurance shall every year, within thirty-one days from the beginning of the year, submit to the 256[c] Substituted for "Superintendent of Insurance", by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, section 4 (1-6-1950). [Controller] a [return] showing as at the 31st day of December of the preceding year the assets held invested in accordance with section 27, and all other particulars accessory to establish that the requirements of that section have been complied with, and such 257[d] Substituted for "statement," by the Insurance (Amendment) Act. 1946 (6 of 1946), section 16 (20-3-1946). [return] shall be certified by the principal officer of the insurer.

 

(2) Every such insurer shall also furnish, with in fifteen days from the last day of March, June and September, a 258[d] Substituted for "statement," by the Insurance (Amendment) Act. 1946 (6 of 1946), section 16 (20-3-1946). [return] certified as aforesaid showing as at the end of each of the said months the assets held invested in accordance with section 27,

 

259[e] Sub-sections (2A) and (2B) were inserted by Act 47 of 1950, section 18 (1-6-1950). [(2A) In respect of the Government securities and other approved securities invested and kept invested in accordance with Section 27(1) an insurer shall submit atong with the return referred to in sub-sections (1) and (2) a certificate, where such assets are in the custody of a banking company, from mat company, and in any other case, from the chairman, two directors and a principal officer, if the insurer is a company, or otherwise from a principal officer of the insurer, to the effect that the securities are held free of any encumbrance, charge, hypothecation, or lien, and every such certificate after the first shall also state that since the ate of the certificate immediately preceding all the securities have been so held.

 

(2B) In respect of the assets forming the controlled fund within the meaning of section 27A, and which do not form part of the Government securities and approved securities invested and kept invested in accordance with section 27, an insurer shall submit, atong with the returns referred to in sub-sections (1) and (2). a statement, where such assets are in the custody of a banking company, from that company, and, in any other case, from the chairman, two directors and a principal officer if the insurer is a company, or from a principal officer of the insurer if the insurer is not a company, specifying the assets, which are subjected to a charge and certifying that the other assets are held free of any encumbrance, charge, hypothecation, or lien, and every such statement after the first shall also specify the charges created in respect of any of the those assets since the date of the statement immediately preceding, and, if any such charges have been liquidated, the date on which they were so liquidated.]

 

(3) The 260[c] Substituted for "Superintendent of Insurance", by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, section 4 (1-6-1950). [Controller] may at his discretion require any insurer to whom sub-section (1) applies to submit before the 1st day of August in each or any year a 261[d] Substituted for "statement," by the Insurance (Amendment) Act. 1946 (6 of 1946), section 16 (20-3-1946). [return] of the nature referred to in sub-section (1), certified as required by that sub-section and prepared as at the 30th day of June.

 

(4) In the case of an insurer having his principal place of business or domicile outside 262[f] Substituted for "the States" by Jammu and Kashmir (Extension of Laws) Act, 1956 (62 of 1956), section 2 and Schedule (1-11-1956). [India] the 263[c] Substituted for "Superintendent of Insurance", by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, section 4 (1-6-1950). [Controller] may, on application made by the insurer, extend the periods of fifteen and thirty-one days mentioned in the foregoing sub-sections to thirty days and sixty days, respectively.]

 

264[g] Original sub-section (2) was renumbered as sub-section (5), by Act 13 of 1941, section 18 (8-4-1941). [(5)] The 265[c] Substituted for "Superintendent of Insurance", by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, section 4 (1-6-1950). [Controller] shall be entitled at any time to take such steps as he may consider necessary for the inspection or verification of the assets invested in compliance with section 27266[h] Inserted by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1940 (20 of 1940), section 6. [or for the purpose of securing the particulars necessary to establish that the requirements of that section have been complied with]. 267[i] Substituted for "and the insurer shall comply with nil requisitions made by the Superintendent in that behalf," by the Insurance (Amendment) Act. [The insurer shall comply with any requisition made in this behalf by the 268[c] Substituted for "Superintendent of Insurance", by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, section 4 (1-6-1950). [Controller], and if he fails to do so within two months from the receipt of the requisition he shall be deemed to have been made default in complying with the requirements of this section.]

 

Section 28A Return of investments relating to controlled fund and changes therein

 

269[a] Inserted by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950 (47 of 1950). section 19 (1-6-1950).

(1) Every insurer carrying on life insurance business, shall every year, within thirty-one days from the beginning of the year submit to the Controller a return 270 In Section 28A and 28B, the words "in the prescribed form" shall be substituted by Insurance (Amendment) Act, 2002 (42 of 2002), published in the Gazette of India, Extra., Part 11, Section 1", in the form specified by the regulations made by the Authority," showing as at the 31st day of December of the preceding year, the investments made out of the controlled fund referred to in section 27A, and every such return shall be certified by a principal officer of the insurer.

 

(2) Every insurer referred to in sub-section (1) shall also submit to the Controller a return 271 In Section 28A and 28B, the words "in the prescribed form" shall be substituted by Insurance (Amendment) Act, 2002 (42 of 2002), published in the Gazette of India, Extra., Part 11, Section 1", in the form specified by the regulations made by the Authority," form showing all the changes that occurred in the investments aforesaid during each of the quarters ending on the last day of March, June, September and December within thirty-one days from the ctose of the quarter to which it relates, and every such return shall be certified by a principal officer of the insurer.]

 

Section 28B Returns of investments relating to the assets and changes therein

 

272[a] Inserted by Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1968 (62 of 1968), Section 12 (1-6-1969).

(1) Every insurer carrying on general insurance business shall, every year, within thirty-one days from the beginning of the year, submit to the Controller a return in the prescribed form showing as at the 31st day of December of the preceding year the investments made out of his assets referred to in section 27B, and every such return shall be certified by a principal officer of the insurer.

 

(2) Every insurer referred to in sub-section (1) shall also submit to the Controller a return in 273 In Section 28A and 28B, the words "in the prescribed form" shall be substituted by Insurance (Amendment) Act, 2002 (42 of 2002), published in the Gazette of India, Extra., Part 11, Section 1", in the form specified by the regulations made by the Authority," showing all the changes that occurred in the investments aforesaid during each of the quarters ending on the last day of March, June, September and December within thirty-one days from the ctose of the quarter to which it relates, and every such return shall be certified by a principal officer of the insurer.

 

(3) Every insurer shall submit, atong with the returns referred to in sub-sections (1) and (2), a statement, where any part of the assets are in the custody of a banking company, from that company, and in any other case, from the Chairman, two directors and a principal officer, if the insurer is a company, or from a principal officer of the insurer, if the insurer is not a company, specifying the assets, which are subject to a charge and certifying that the other assets are held free of any encumbrance, charge, hypothecation or lien, and every such statement after the first shall also specify the charges created in respect of any of those assets since the date of the statement immediately preceding, and, if any such charges have been liquidated, the date on which they were so liquidated.]

 

Section 29 Prohibition of loans

 

274[a] Section 29 was renumbered as sub-section (l) of that section by the insurance (Amendment) Act, 1941 (13 of 1941), section 19 (8-4- 1941).[(1) No insurer shall grant loans or temporary advances either on hypothecation of property or on personal security or otherwise, except loans on life policies issued by him within their surrender value, to any director, manager, managing agent, actuary, auditor or officer of the insurer if a company, or where the insurer is a firm, to any partner therein, or to any other company or firm in which any such director, manager, managing agent, actuary, officer or partner holds the position of a director, manager, managing agent, actuary, officer or partner.

 

Provided that 275[b] Substituted for "nothing herein contained," by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950 (47 of 1950), section 20 (1-6-1950). [nothing contained in this sub-section] shall apply to loans made by an insurer to a banking company.

276[c] Second and third provisos were omitted, by the Insurance (Amendment) Act.[* * * * * * * *] Provided further that nothing in this section shall prohibit a company from granting such loans or advances to a subsidiary company or to any other company of which the company granting the loan or advance is a subsidiary company 277[d] Inserted, by the Insurance (Amendment) Act. [and where any such loan or advance is made out of any life insurance fund the matter shall be reported within thirty days of the making of such loan or advance to the Controller]].

 

278[a] Sub-section (2) was inserted by Act 13 of 1941, Section 19 (8-4-1941). [(2) The provisions of S.86D of the Indian Companies Act, 1913, shall not apply to a loan granted to a director of an insurer being a company, if the loan is one granted on the security of a policy on which the insurer bears the risk and the policy was issued to the director on his own life, and the loan is within the surrender value of the policy.]

 

279[a] Sub-sections (3) to (6) were inserted by Act 47 of 1950, Section 20 (1-6-1950). [(3) Subject to the provisions of sub-section (1), no insurer carrying on life insurance business shall grant-

 

(a) any loans or temporary advances either or; hypothecation of property or on personal security or otherwise, except such loans as are specified in Section 27A(1);

(b) temporary advances to any chief, special or insurance agent to facilitate the carrying out of his functions as such except in cases where such advances do not exceed in the aggregate-

(i) in the case of a chief agent, the overriding renewal commission earned by him during the year immediately preceding,

(ii) in the case of a special agent, the renewal commission earned by him during the year immediately preceding,

(iii) in the case of an insurance agent, the renewal commission earned by him during the year immediately preceding.

 

(4) Every loan or advance existing at the commencement of the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950, which contravenes the provisions of sub-section (3) shall be notified by the insurer to the Controller within thirty days of such commencement and shall notwithstanding any contract to the contrary be repaid within one year from such commencement.

 

(5) Where any event occurs giving rise to circumstances, the existence of which at the time of the grant of any subsisting loan or advance would have made such grant a contravention of this section, such loan or advance shall, notwithstanding anything in any contract to the contrary, be repaid within three months from the occurrence of such event.

 

(6) In case of default in complying with the provisions of sub-section (4) or sub-section (5), the director, manager, auditor, actuary, officer or partner, or the chief, special or insurance agent concerned shall, without prejudice to any other penalty which he may incur, cease to hold office under, or to act for the insurer granting the loan on the expiry of the said period of one year or three months, as the case may be.]

 

Section 30 Liability of directors, etc., for loss due to contravention's of sections 27, 27A and 29

 

If by reason of a contravention of any of the provisions of section 27, 280[a] Inserted by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950 (47 of 1950), section 21 (1-6-1950). [section 27A], 281[b] Inserted by by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1968 (62 of 1968), section 13 (1-6-1969). [section 27B], or section 29, any loss is sustained by the insurer or by the policy-holders, every directors, manager, managing agent, officer or partner who is knowingly a party to such contravention shall, without prejudice to any other penalty to which he may be liable under this Act, be jointly and severally liable to make good the amount of such loss.

 

Section 31 Asscts of insurer how to be kept

 

282 Section 31 was renumbered as sub-section (1) and sub-section (2) was inserted by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1946 (6 of 1946). section 18 (20-3-1946). [(1) None of the assets in 283 Substituted for "the States" by Jammu and Kashmir .Extension of Laws) Act, 1956 (62 of 1956), section 2 and Schedule (1-11-1956). [India] of any insurer shall, except in the case of deposits made with the Reserve Bank of India under section 7284 Inserted by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1939 (11 of 1939), section 12. [or section 98] or in so far as assets are required to be vested in trustees by Section 27(4) be kept otherwise than 285 Inserted by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1939 (11 of 1939), section 12. [in the name of a public officer approved by the Central Government, or] in the corporate name of the undertaking, if a company, or in the name of the partners, if a firm, or in the name of the proprietor, if an individual.

 

286 Substituted for the former subjection, by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950 (47 of 1950), section 22 (1-6-1950). [(2) Nothing contained in this section shall be deemed to prohibit the endorsement in favour of a banking company of any security or other document solely for the purpose of collection or for realisation of interest, bonus or dividend.]

 

Section 31A Provisions relating to managers, etc

 

(1) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in the Indian Companies Act, 1913 or in the articles of association of the insurer, if a company, or in any contract or agreement, no insurer shall, after the expiry of one year from the commencement of the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950,-

 

(a) be managed by a company or a firm, or

(b) be directed or managed by or employ as manager or officer or in any capacity, any person whose remuneration or any part thereof takes the form of commission or bonus or a share in the valuation surplus in respect of the life insurance business of the insurer, or

(c) be directed or managed by, or employ as manager or officer or in any capacity, any person whose remuneration or any part thereof takes the form of commission or bonus in respect of the general insurance business of the insurer; Provided that nothing in this sub-section shall be deemed to prohibit-

(i) the payment of commission to a chief agent, special agent or an insurance agent, in respect of life insurance business procured by or through him;

(ii) the payment of commission to a principal agent or an insurance agent in respect of general insurance business procured by or through him;

(iii) the payment of commission, with the approval of the Central Government and for such period as it may determine, to a person not being an officer of an insurer who was, on the 1st day of November, 1944, employing on behalf of an insurer, chief agents or special agents and continues so to do in respect of insurance business procured by or through him;

(iv) the employment of any individual in a clerical or other subordinate capacity who, as an insurance agent, receives commission in respect of insurance business procured by him;

(v) the employment as an officer of any individual who receives renewal commission in respect of life insurance business procured by him in his capacity as an insurance agent or as an employer of agents before such employment, or before the commencement of the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950, whichever is later;

(vi) the payment of a share in the profits of general insurance business;

(vii) the payment of bonus in any year on a uniform basis, to all salaried employees or any class of them by way of additional remuneration.

 

288[d] Certain words omitted by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1968 (62 of 1968), section 14.[* * * * *]

 

(2) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in the Indian Companies Act, 1913, or in the Articles of Association of the insurer, being a company, or in any contract or agreement, no manager, managing director or any other person concerned in the management of an insurer's business shall be entitled to nominate a successor to his office, and no person so nominated, whether before or after the commencement of the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950, shall be entitled to hold or to continue in such office.

 

(3) If in the case of any insurance company provision is made by the Articles of Association of the company or by an agreement entered into between any person and the company for empowering a director or manager or other officer of the company to assign his office to any other person, any assignment of office made in pursuance of the said provision shall, notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in the said provision or in S.86B of the Indian Companies Act, 1913, be void.

 

(4) No person shall have any right, whether in contract or otherwise, to any compensation for any loss incurred by reason of the operation of any provision of this section.]

 

This section "seeks to restrict commission method of remuneration to chief, principal, special and insurance agents to prohibit nomination of a successor or assignment of office by a manager, managing director, or other officer and to check payment of excessive remuneration to insurance executives."-S.O.R. Gaz, of India, 1949, Extra, p. 2214. "We have extended the period for compliance with the proposed section 31A from three months to one year."-S.C.R. Gaz. of India, 1950, Pt. II, S.2, p. 100.

 

Section 31B Power to restrict payment of excessive remuneration

 

289[a] Inserted by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950 (47 of 1950), section 23 (1-6-1950).

(1) The Central Government may, if it is satisfied that any insurer, in the case of an insurer specified in sub-clause (a)(ii) or sub-clause (b) of clause (9) of section 2 in respect of all insurance business transacted by him, and in the case of any other insurer in respect of the insurance business transacted by him in India, is paying any person remuneration, whether by way of commission or otherwise, on a scale disproportionate, according to the normal standards prevailing in insurance business, to the resources of the insurer, call upon the insurer to comply within six months with such directions as it may think fit to issue in the matter, and if compliance with the directions so issued requires the alteration of any of the terms of the contract entered into by the insurer with such person, no compensation shall be payable to such person by the insurer by reason only of such alteration or of the resignation of such person if the altered terms are not acceptable to him and no payment by way of renewal commission or otherwise shall be made to such person by the insurer in respect of any premiums paid after the date of such resignation except at such rate as may be approved by the Central Government in this behalf.

 

(2) Every insurer shall, before the ctose of the month following every year, submit to the Controller a statement in the prescribed form showing the remuneration paid, whether by way of commission or otherwise, to any person in cases where such remuneration exceeds 290 In Section 31A, the words "the sum of five thousand rupees in that year" shall be substituted by Insurance (Amendment) Act, 2002 (42 of 2002), published in the Gazette of India, Extra., Part 11, Section 1"such sum as may be specified by the regulations made by the Authority".

 

(3) Where any person not being a chief agent, principal agent or special agent is in receipt of remuneration exceeding the sum of five thousand rupees in any year, the Controller may, by notice in writing, require the insurer to submit certified copies of the agreement entered into between the insurer and any such person, and the insurer shall comply with any such requisition within the time specified in the notice.]

 

"In the proposed section 31B, we have provided that if a person resigns he should continue to get the renewal commission due to him, but the rate of such commission should be approved by the Central Government."-S.C.R. Gaz. of India, 1950, Pt. II, S. 2, p. 100.

 

Section 32 Limitation on employment of managing agents and on the remuneration payable to them

 

(1) No insurer shall, after the commencement of this Act, appoint a managing agent for the conduct of his business.

 

(2) Where any insurer engaged in the business of insurance before the commencement of this Act employs a managing agent for the conduct of his business, then, notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in the Indian Companies Act, 1913, and notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in the articles of the insurer, if a company, or in any agreement entered into by the insurer, such managing agent shall cease to hold office on the expiry of three years from the commencement of this Act and no compensation shall be payable to him by the insurer by reason only of the premature termination of his employment as managing agent.

 

(3) After the commencement of this Act, notwithstanding anything contained in the Indian Companies Act, 1913, and notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in any agreement entered into by an insurer or in the articles of association of an insurer being a company, no insurer shall pay to a managing agent and no managing agent shall accept from an insurer as remuneration for his services as managing agent more than two thousand rupees per month in all, including salary and commission and other remuneration payable to and receivable by him, for his services as managing agent.

 

Section 32A Prohibition of common officers and requirement as to whole time officers

 

(1) A managing director or other officer of an insurer specified in sub-clause (b) of clause (9) of section 2 and carrying on life insurance business shall not be a managing director or other officer of any other insurer carrying on life insurance business or of a banking-company or of an investment company: Provided that the Central Government may permit such managing director or other officer to be managing director or other officer of any other insurer carrying on life insurance business for the purpose of amalgamating the business of the two insurers or transferring the business of one insurer to the other.

 

(2) Where an insurer specified in sub-clause (b) of clause (9) of section 2 has a life insurance fund of more than twenty-five lakhs of rupees or insurance funds totaling more than fifty lakhs of rupees, the manager, managing director or other officer of the insurer shall be a whole time employee of the insurer : Provided that the Central Government may, for such period as it thinks fit, permit the employment of any specified person as a part-time manager, managing director or other officer of such insurer.

 

(3) Nothing in this section shall prevent-

 

(a) the manager, managing director or other officer of an insurer being the manager, managing director or other officer of a subsidiary company of the insurer with the previous approval of the Central Government;

(b) the manager, managing director or other officer of an insurer, exclusively carrying on life insurance business, being the manager, managing director or other officer of an insurer not carrying on life insurance business;

(c) any officer of a branch of one insurer carrying on general insurance business from being any officer of a branch in the same town of another insurer carrying on general insurance business;

(d) an officer in the employment of an insurer from giving professional advice.

 

"This section seeks to prohibit insurers and banks from having common officers and requires insurers of more than a certain size to have only whole-time officers."-S.O.R. Gaz, of India, 1949, Extra, p. 2214. "Clause 14 seeks to omit, from the seventh proviso to Section 31A(1), the discretion now vested in the Central Government to decide the maximum bonus which w insurer can give to his employees. The object is to bring the matter of bonus within the jurisdiction of Industrial Tribunals. This amendment has been necessitated by a decision of the Supreme Court in I960."-Gaz. of India, 1968. Pt. II, S. 2, Extra, p. 396.

 

Section 33 Power of investigation

 

(1) The Central Government may, at any time, by order in writing, direct the Controller or any other person specified in the order to investigate the affairs of any insurer and to report to the Central Government on any investigation made by him. Provided that the Controller or the other person may, wherever necessary, employ an auditor or actuary or both for the purpose of assisting him in any investigation under this section.

 

294[d] Inserted by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1968 (62 of 1968), Section 15(1-6-1969). [(1A) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in S.235 of the Companies Act, 1956, the Controller may, at any time, and shall, on being directed so to do by the Central Government, cause an inspection to be made by one or more of his officers of any insurer and his books and accounts, and the Controller shall supply to the insurer a copy of his report on such inspection.]

 

(2) It shall be the duty of every manager, managing director or other officer of the insurer to produce before the person directed to make the investigation under sub-section (1) 295[e] Inserted, by the Insurance (Amendment) Act. [or inspection under sub-section (1A)] all such books of account, registers and other documents in his custody or power and to furnish him with any statements and information relating to the affairs of the insurer as the said person may require of him within such time as the said person may specify.

 

(3) Any person, directed to make an investigation under sub-section (1), 2e [or inspection under sub-section (1A)] may examine on oath, any manager, managing director or other officer of the insurer in relation to his business and may administer oaths accordingly.

 

296[f] Sub-sections (3A), (4A) and (4B) inserted, by the Insurance (Amendment) Act. [(3A) The Controller shall, if he has been directed by the Central Government to cause an inspection to be made, and may, in any other case, report to the Central Government on any inspection made under this section.]

 

(4) On receipt of any report under sub-section (1), 297[e] Inserted, by the Insurance (Amendment) Act. [or under sub-section (3A)] the Central Government may, after giving such opportunity to the insurer to make a representation in connection with the report as, in the opinion of the Central Government, seems reasonable, by order in writing,-

 

(a) require the insurer to take such action in respect of any matter arising out of the report as the Central Government may think fit; or

(b) direct the Controller to cancel the registration of the insurer; or

(c) direct the Controller to apply to the Court for the winding up of the insurer, if a company, whether the registration of the insurer has been cancelled under clause (b) or not.

 

298[f] Sub-sections (3A), (4A) and (4B) inserted, by the Insurance (Amendment) Act. [(4A) The Central Government may, after giving reasonable notice to the insurer, publish the report submitted by the Controller under sub-section (3A) or such portion thereof as may appear to it to be necessary.

 

(4B) The Central Government may prescribe the minimum information to be maintained by insurers in their books, the manner in which such information should be maintained, the checks and other verifications to be adopted by insurers in that connection and all other matters incidental thereto as are, in its opinion, necessary to enable the Controller to discharge satisfactorily his functions under this section.

 

(5) No order made under this section other than an order made under clause (b) of sub-section (4) shall be capable of being called in question in any Court.

 

(6) All expenses of, and incidental to, any investigation made under this section shall be defrayed by the insurer, shall have priority over other debts due from the insurer and shall be recoverable as an arrear of land revenue.]

 

"This section authorises the Central Government to order- investigation of the affairs of an insurer and after investigation to secure appropriate action being taken."-S.O.R. Gaz.-. of India, 1949, Extra, p. 2214. "An order directing the Controller to cancel the registration of the insurer being a vital matter should be appealable and, therefore, we have split up clause (b) of sub-section (4) of the proposed section 33 into two separate clauses. Incidentally, we are deleting the existing section 33 and Section 34 of the Insurance Act, because their provisions are fully covered by the proposed section 33."-S.C.R., Gaz. of India, 1950, Pt. II, S. 2, p. 100. "Clause 15 inserts provisions in the existing section 33 to empower the Controller to carry out inspections of insurers whether on his own initiative or on the direction of the Central Government with the provision for cancellation of the registration or applying for winding up in the certain circumstances."-Gaz. of India, 8-4-1968, Pt. II, S. 2. Extra, p. 386.

 

Section 33A Power to appoint staff

 

The Central Government or the Controller may appoint such staff, and at such places as it or he may consider necessary, for the scrutiny of the returns, statements and information furnished by insurers under this Act and generally to ensure the efficient performance of the functions of the Controller under this Act.

 

Section 34 Power of the Controller to issue directions

 

(1) Where the Controller is satisfied that-

 

(a) in the public interest; or

(b) to prevent the affairs of any insurer being conducted in a manner detrimental to the interests to the policy-holders or in a manner prejudicial to the interests of the insurer; or

(c) generally to secure the proper management of any insurer,

 

(2) The Controller may, on representation made to him or on his own motion, modify or cancel any direction issued under sub-section (1), and in so modifying or cancelling any direction, may impose such conditions as he thinks fit, subject to which the modification or cancellation shall have effect.

 

Section 34A Amendment of provisions relating to appointments of managing directors, etc., to be subject to previous approval of the Controller

 

(1) In the case of an insurer,-

 

(a) no amendment made after the commencement of the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1968, of any provision relating to the appointment, reappointment, termination of appointment or remuneration of a managing or whole-time director, or of a manager or chief executive officer, by whatever name called, whether that provision be contained in the insurer's memorandum or Articles of Association, or in an agreement entered into by him, or in any resolution passed by the insurer in general meeting or by his Board of Directors shall have effect unless approved by the Controller;

(b) no appointment, reappointment or termination of appointment, made after the commencement of the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1968, of a managing or whole-time director, or a manager or a chief executive officer, by whatever name called, shall have effect unless such appointment, reappointment or termination of appointment is made with the previous approval of the Controller.

 

(2) Nothing contained in section 268and Section 269. the proviso to Section 309(3)section 310 and Section 311, the proviso to section 387, and section 388(in so far as section 388 make; the provisions of section 310 and Section 311 apply in relation to the manager of the company) of the Companies Act, 1956, shall apply to any matter in respect of which the approval of the Controller has to be obtained under sub-section (1).

 

(3) No act done by a person as a managing or wholetime director or a director not liable to retire by rotation or a manager or a chief executive officer, by whatever name called, shall be deemed to be invalid on the ground that it is subsequently discovered that his appointment or reappointment had not taken effect by reason of any of the provisions of this Act; but nothing in this sub-section shall be construed as rendering valid any act done by such person after his appointment or reappointment has been shown to the insurer not to have had effect.

 

Section 34B Power of Controller to remove managerical persons from office

 

(1) Where the Controller is satisfied that in the public interest or for preventing the affairs of an insurer being conducted in a manner detrimental to the interests of the policy-holders or for securing the proper management of any insurer it is necessary so to do, he may, for reasons to be recorded in writing, by order, remove from office, with effect from such date as may be specified in the order, any director or the chief executive officer, by whatever name called, of the insurer.

 

(2) No order under sub-section (1) shall be made unless the director or chief executive officer concerned has been given a reasonable opportunity of making a representation to the Controller against the proposed order: Provided that if, in the opinion of the Controller, any delay would be detrimental to the interests of the insurer or his policy-holders, he may, at the time of giving the opportunity aforesaid or at any time thereafter, by order, direct that, pending the consideration of the representation aforesaid, if any, the director or, as the case may be, chief executive officer, shall not, with effect from the date of such order,-

 

(a) act as such director or chief executive officer of the insurer;

(b) in any way, whether directly or indirectly, be concerned with, or take part in, the management of the insurer.

 

(3) Where any order is made in respect of a director or chief executive officer of an insurer under sub-section (1), he shall cease to be a director or, as the case may be, chief executive officer of the insurer and shall not, in any way, whether directly, or indirectly, be concerned with, or take part in, the management of any insurer for such period not exceeding five years as may be specified in the order.

 

(4) If any person in respect of whom an order is made by the Controller under sub-section (1) or under the proviso to sub-section (2) contravenes the provisions of this section, he shall be punishable with fine which may extend to two hundred and fifty rupees for each year, during which such contravention continues.

 

(5) Where an order under sub-section (1) has been made, the Controller may, by order in writing, appoint a suitable person in place of the director or chief executive officer who has been removed from his office under that sub-section, with effect from such date as may be specified in the order.

 

(6) Any person appointed as director or chief executive officer under this section shall,-

 

(a) hold office during the pleasure of the Controller and subject thereto for a period not exceeding three years or such further periods not exceeding three years at a time as the Controller may specify;

(b) not incur any obligation or liability by reason only of his being a director or chief executive officer or for anything done or omitted to be done in good faith in the execution of the duties of his office or in relation thereto.

 

(7) Notwithstanding anything contained in any law or in any contract, memorandum or Articles of Association, on the removal of a person from office under this section, that person shall not be entitled to claim any compensation for the loss or termination of office.

 

Section 34C Power of Controller to appoint additional directors

 

(1) If the Controller is of pinion that in the public interests or in the interests of an insurer, or his policy-holders it is necessary so to do, he may, from time to time, by order in writing, appoint, with effect from such date as may be specified in the order, one or more persons to hold office as additional directors of the insurer: Provided that the number of additional directors so appointed shall not, at any time, exceed five or one-third of the maximum strength fixed for the Board by the Articles of |Association of the insurer, whichever is less.

 

(2) Any person appointed as additional director in pursuance of this section,-

 

(a) shall hold office during the pleasure of the Controller, and subject thereto for a period not exceeding three years or such further periods not exceeding three years at a time as the Controller may specify;

(b) shall not incur any obligation or liability by reason only of his being a director or for anything done or omitted to be done in good faith in the execution of the duties of his office or in relation thereto; and

(c) shall not be required to hold qualification shares of the insurer.

 

(3) For the purpose of reckoning any proportion of the total number of directors of the insurer, any additional director appointed under this section shall not be taken into account.

 

Section 34D Sections 34B and 34C to override other laws

 

Any appointment or removal of a director or chief executive officer in pursuance of section 34B or section 34Cshall have effect notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in the Companies Act, 1956, or any other law for the time being in force or in any contract or any other instrument.

 

Section 34E Further powers of Controller

 

The Controller may,-

(a) caution or prohibit insurers generally or any insurer in particular against entering into any particular transaction or class of transactions, and generally give advice to any insurer;

 

(b) at any time, if he is satisfied that in the public interest or in the interests of the insurer or for preventing the affairs of the insurer being conducted in a manner detrimental to the interests of the insurer or his policy-holders, it is necessary so to do by order in writing and on such terms and conditions as may be specified therein,-

 

(i) require the insurer to call a meeting of his directors for the purpose of considering any matter relating to or arising out of the affairs of the insurer;

(ii) depute one or more of his officers to watch the proceedings at any meeting of the Board of Directors of the insurer or of any committee or of any other body constituted by it; require the insurer to give an opportunity to the officers so deputed to be heard at such meetings and also require such officers to send a report of such proceedings to the Controller;

(iii) require the Board of Directors of the insurer or any committee or any other body constituted by it to give in writing to any officer specified by the Controller in this behalf at his usual address all notices of. and other communications relating to, any meeting of the Board, committee or other body constituted by it;

(iv) appoint one or more of his officers to observe the manner in which the affairs of the insurer or of his offices or branches are being conducted and make a report thereon;

(v) require the insurer to make, within such time as may be specified in the order, such changes in the management as the Controller may consider necessary.

 

Section 34F Power of Controller to issue directions regarding re-insurance treaties, etc

 

(1) Without prejudice to the generality of the powers conferred by Section 34(1), the Controller may, if he is of opinion that the terms or conditions of any re-insurance treaty or other re-insurance contract entered into by an insurer are not favourable to the insurer or are detrimental to the public interest, he may, by order, require the insurer to make, at the time when the renewal of such treaty or contract becomes next due, such modifications in the terms and conditions of such treaty or contract as he may specify in the order or not to renew such treaty or contract, and, if the insurer fails to comply with such order, he shall be deemed to have failed to comply with the provisions of this Act.

 

(2) The Controller may, if he has reason to believe that an insurer is entering into or is likely to enter into re-insurance treaties or other re-insurance contracts which are not favourable to the insurer or are detrimental to the public interest, he may, by order, direct that the insurer shall not enter into such re-insurance treaty or other re-insurance contract unless a copy of such treaty or contract has been furnished to him in advance and the terms and conditions thereof have been approved by him and if the insurer fails to comply with such order he shall be deemed to have failed to comply with the requirements of this Act.

 

Section 34G Power of Controller to order closure of foreign branches

 

Without prejudice to the generality of the powers conferred by Section 34(1), the Controller may, if he has reason to believe that the working of any branch outside India of an insurer being an insurer specified in sub-clause (b) of clause (9) of section 2, is generally resulting in a loss or that the affairs of that branch are being conducted in a manner prejudicial to the interests of the policy-holders or the public interest, he may, after giving an opportunity to the insurer of being heard, direct that the insurer shall cease, within such period, not being less than one year, as may be specified in the order, to carry on insurance business in the country in which such branch is situated and if the insurer fails to comply with such order he shall be deemed to have failed to comply with the provisions of this Act.

 

Section 34H Search and seizure

 

(1) Where the Controller, in consequence of information in his possession, has reason to believe that--

 

(a) any person who has been required under Section 33(2)to produce, or cause to be produced, any books, accounts or other documents in his custody or power has omitted or failed to produce, or cause to be produced, such books, accounts or other documents, or

(b) any person to whom a requisition to produce any books, accounts, or other documents as aforesaid has been or might be issued will not, or would not, produce or cause to be produced, any books, accounts or other documents which will be useful for, or relevant to, an investigation under Section 33(1)or an inspection under sub-section (1A) of that section, or

(c) a contravention of any provision of this Act has been committed or is likely to be committed by an insurer, or

(d) any claim which is due to be settled by an insurer, has been or is likely to be settled at a figure higher than a reasonable amount, or

(e) any claim which is due to be settled by an insurer has been or is likely to be rejected or settled at a figure tower than a reasonable amount, or

(f) any illegal rebate or commission has been paid or is likely to be paid by an insurer, or

(g) any books, accounts, receipts, vouchers, survey reports or other documents, belonging to an insurer are likely to be tampered with, falsified or manufactured,

(i) enter and search any building or place where he has reason to suspect that such books, accounts or other documents, or any books or papers relating to any claim, rebate or commission of any receipts, vouchers, reports or other documents are kept;

(ii) break open the tock of any door, box, locker, safe, almirah or other receptacle for exercising the powers conferred by clause (i) where the keys thereof are not available;

(iii) seize all or any such books, accounts or other documents, found as a result of such search;

(iv) place marks of identification on such books, accounts or other documents or make or cause to be made extracts or copies there from.

 

(2) The authorised officer may requisition the services of any police officer or of any officer of the Central Government, or of both, to assist him for all or any of the purposes specified in sub-section (1) and it shall be the duty of every such officer to comply with such requisition.

 

(3) The authorised officer may, where it is not practicable to seize any such book, account or other document, specified in sub-section (1). serve an order on the person who is in immediate possession or control thereof that he shall not remove, part with or otherwise deal with it except with the previous permission of such officer and such officer may take such steps as may be necessary for ensuring compliance with this sub-section.

 

(4) The authorised officer may, during the course of the search of seizure, examine on oath any person who is found to be in possession or control of any books, accounts or other documents, and any statement made by such person during such examination may thereafter be used in evidence in any proceeding under this Act.

 

(5) The books, accounts, papers, receipts, vouchers, reports, or other documents seized under sub-section (1) shall not be retained by the authorised officer for a period exceeding one hundred and eighty days from the date of the seizure unless the reasons for retaining the same are recorded by him in writing and the approval of the Controller for such retention is obtained. Provided that the Controller shall not authorise the retention of the books, accounts, papers, receipts, vouchers, reports, or other documents for a period exceeding thirty days after all the proceedings under this Act for which the books, accounts, papers, receipts, vouchers, reports, or other documents are relevant are completed.

 

(6) The person from whose custody any books, accounts, papers, receipts, vouchers, reports, or other documents are seized under sub-section (1) may make copies thereof, or take extracts therefrom, in the presence of the authorised officer or any other person empowered by him in this behalf at such place and time as the authorised officer may appoint in this behalf.

 

(7) If a person legally entitled to the books, accounts, papers, receipts, vouchers, reports, or other documents seized under sub-section (1) objects for any reason to the approval given by the Controller under sub-section (5), he may make an application to the Central Government stating therein the reasons for such objection and requesting for the return of the books, accounts, papers, receipts, vouchers, reports, or other documents.

 

(8) On receipt of the application under sub-section (7), the Central Government may, after giving the applicant an opportunity of being heard, pass such orders as it thinks fit.

 

(9) The provisions of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898, relating to searches and seizures shall apply, so far as may be, to every search and seizure made under sub-section (1).

 

(10) The Central Government may make rules in relation to any search or seizure under this section, in particular, and without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing power, such rules may provide for the procedure to be followed by the authorised officer,-

 

(i) for obtaining ingress into such building or place to be searched where free ingress thereto is not available;

(ii) for ensuring safe custody of any books, accounts, papers, receipts, vouchers, reports, or other documents seized under this section.]

 

Section 35 Amalgamation and transfer of insurance business

 

(1) No life insurance business of an insurer specified in sub-clause (a)(ii) or sub-clause (b) of clause (9) of section 2 shall be transferred to 300[a] Inserted by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1940 (20 of 1940), S. 7.[any person or transferred to] or amalgamated with the life insurance business of any other insurer except in accordance with a scheme prepared under this section and sanctioned by the 301[b] Substituted for "Court having jurisdiction over one or other of the parties concerned", by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950 (47 of 1950), S. 26 (1-6-1950). [Controller].

 

(2) Any scheme prepared under this section shall set out the agreement under which the transfer or amalgamation is proposed to be effected, and shall contain such further provisions as may be necessary for giving effect to the scheme.

 

(3) Before an application is made to the 302[a] Substituted for "Court" by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950 (47 of 1950), S. 26 (1-6-1950). [Controller] to sanction any such scheme, notice of the intention to make the application together with a statement of the nature of the amalgamation or transfer, as the case may be, and of the reason therefor shall, at least two months before the application is made, be sent to the 303[b] Substituted for "Central Government", by the Insurance (Amendment) Act. [Controller] 304[c] Substituted for " and certified copies of the following documents shall be furnished to the Central Government and shall", by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1941 (13 of 1941 ), S. 22 (8-4-1941). [and certified copies, four in number, of each of the following documents shall be furnished to the 305[b] Substituted for "Central Government", by the Insurance (Amendment) Act. [Controller], and other such copies shall] during the two months aforesaid be kept open for the inspection of the members and policy-holders at the principal and branch offices and chief agencies of the insurers concerned, namely :-

 

(a) a draft of the agreement or deed under which it is proposed to effect the amalgamation or transfer;

306[d] Substituted for the original clauses (b) and (c), by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1940 (20 of 1940), S. 7. [(b) balance-sheets in respect of the insurance business of each of the insurers concerned in such amalgamation or transfer, prepared in the Form set forth in Part II of the First Schedule and in accordance with the regulations contained in Part I of that Schedule;

(c) actuarial reports and abstracts in respect of the life insurance business of each of the insurers so concerned, prepared in conformity with the requirements of Part II of the Fourth and Fifth Schedules and in accordance with the regulations contained in Part I of the Schedule concerned]

(d) a report on the proposed amalgamation or transfer, prepared by an independent actuary who has never been professionally connected with any of the parties concerned in the amalgamation or transfer at any time in the five years preceding the date on which he signs his report;

(e) any other reports on which the scheme of amalgamation or transfer was founded.

307[a] Substituted for "Court" by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950 (47 of 1950), S. 26 (1-6-1950). [Controller] is to take effect, which date shall not be more than twelve months before the date on which the application to the 308[a] Substituted for "Court" by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950 (47 of 1950), S. 26 (1-6-1950). [Controller] is made under this section: Provided that if the 309[b] Substituted for "Central Government", by the Insurance (Amendment) Act.b [Controller] so directs in the case of any particular insurer there may be substituted respectively for the balance-sheet, report and abstract referred to in clauses (b) and (c) prepared in accordance with this sub-section certified copies of the last balance-sheet and last report and abstract prepared in accordance with section 11 and S.13 of the Indian Life Assurance Companies Act, 1912310[e] Inserted and deemed always to have been inserted by Act 13 of 1941, S. 22. [of this Act or s.7of the Indian Life Assurance Companies Act, 1912 , S.8of the Indian Life Assurance Companies Act, 1912], if that balance-sheet is prepared as at a date not more than twelve months, and that report and abstract as at a date not more than five years, before the date on which the application to the 311[a] Substituted for "Court" by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950 (47 of 1950), S. 26 (1-6-1950).a [Controller] is made under this section].

 

312[f] Sub-section (4) was omitted by Act 47 of 1950, S. 26 (1-6-1950). [(4) * * * * *]

 

Section 36 Sanction of amalgamation and transfer by Controller

 

313[b] Substituted for "Court", by the Insurance (Amendment) Act. [(1)] When any application such as is referred to in Section 35(3) is made to the 314[b] Substituted for "Court", by the Insurance (Amendment) Act. [Controller], the 315[b] Substituted for "Court", by the Insurance (Amendment) Act. [Controller] shall cause, if for special reasons 316[c] Substituted for "it", by the Insurance (Amendment) Act. [he] so directs, notice of the application to be sent to every person resident in 317[d] Substituted for "British India or in an Indian State" by A.C.A.0.. 1948. [India 318[dd] The words "or in a non-acceding Indian State" were omitted by A.L.O. 1950. [* * *]] who is the holder of a life policy of any insurer concerned and shall cause a statement of the nature and terms of the amalgamation or transfer, as the case may be, to be published in such manner and for such period as 319[c] Substituted for "it", by the Insurance (Amendment) Act. [he] may direct, and, after hearing the directors and such policy-holders as apply to be heard and any other persons whom 320[c] Substituted for "it", by the Insurance (Amendment) Act. [he] considers entitled to be heard, may sanction the arrangement, if 321[c] Substituted for "it", by the Insurance (Amendment) Act. [he] is satisfied that no sufficient objection to the arrangement has been established 322[e] Inserted by the Insurance (Amendment) Act. 1940 (20 of 1940), S. 5 (10-4-1940). [and shall make such consequential orders as are necessary to give effect to the arrangement, including orders as to the disposal of any deposit made under section 7 or section 98]] : 323[f] Inserted, by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1941 (13 of 1941), S. 23 (8-4-1941). [Provided that-

 

(a) no part of the deposit made by any party to the amalgamation or transfer shall be returned except where, after effect is given to the arrangement, the whole of the deposit to be made by the insurer carrying on the amalgamated business or the person to whom the business is transferred is completed,

(b) only so much shall be returned as is no longer required to complete the deposit last mentioned in clause (a), and

(c) while the deposit last mentioned in clause (a) remains uncompleted, no accession, resulting from the arrangement, to the amount already deposited by the insurer carrying on the amalgamated business or the person to whom the business is transferred shall be appropriated as payment or part payment of any instalment of deposit subsequently due from under section 7 or section 98].

 

324[g] Inserted by Act (47 of 1950), S. 27(1-6-1950). [(2) If the arrangement involves a reduction of the amount of the insurance and other contracts of the transferor insurer or of any or all of the insurers concerned in the amalgamation, the Controller may sanction the arrangements reducing the amount of such contracts upon such terms and subject to such conditions as he may think proper, and the reduction of contracts as sanctioned by the Controller shall be valid and binding on all the parties concerned].

 

Section 37 Statements required after amalgamation and transfer

 

Where an amalgamation takes place between any two or more insurers, or 325[a] Substituted for "where any business of one insurer is transferred to another" by the Insurance (Amendment)Act 1941 (13 of 1941), S. 24 (8-4-1941). [where any business of an insurer is transferred] whether in accordance with a scheme confirmed by the 326[b] Substituted for "Court" by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950 (47 of 1950), S. 28 (1-6-1950). [Controller] or otherwise, the insurer carrying on the amalgamated business or 327[c] Substituted for "the insurer to whom the business is transferred" by Act 13 of 1941, S. 24 (8-4-1941). [the person to whom the business is transferred], as the case may be, shall, within three months from the date of the completion of the amalgamation or transfer, 328[d] Substituted for "furnish to the Central Government", by the Insurance (Amendment) Act. [furnish in duplicate to the 329[e] Substituted for "Central Government" by Act 47 of '950, S. 28(1-6-1950). [Controller]]-

(a) a certified copy of the scheme, agreement or deed under which the amalgamation or transfer has been effected, and

 

(b) 330[f] Substituted for "a declaration signed by every insure:- concerned" by Act 13 of 1941, S. 24 (8-4-1941). [a declaration signed by every party concerned] or in the case of a company by the chairman and the principal officer that to the best of their belief every payment made or to be made to any person whatsoever on account of the amalgamation or transfer is therein fully set forth and that no other payments beyond those set forth have been made or are to be made either in money, policies, bonds, valuable securities or other property by or with the knowledge of any parties to the amalgamation or transfer, and

 

331[g] Substituted for the original clause, Act 13 of 1941. [(c) where the amalgamation or transfer has not been made in accordance with a scheme sanctioned by the 332[b] Substituted for "Court" by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950 (47 of 1950), S. 28 (1-6-1950). [Controller] under section 36-

 

(i) balance-sheets in respect of the insurance business of each of the insurers concerned in such amalgamation or transfer, prepared in the Form set forth in Part II of the First Schedule and in accordance with the regulations contained in Part I of that Schedule, and

(ii) certified copies of any other reports on which the scheme of amalgamation or transfer was founded.]

 

Section 37A Power of Controller to prepare scheme of amalgamation

 

(1) If the Controller is satisfied that-

 

(i) in the public interest; or

(ii) in the interests of the policy-holders; or

(iii) in order to secure the proper management of an insurer, or

(iv) in the interests of the insurance business of the country as a whole;

 

(2) The scheme aforesaid may contain provisions for all or any of the following matters, namely:-

 

(a) the constitution, name and registered office, the capital, assets, powers, rights interests, authorities and privileges, and the liabilities, duties and obligations of the transferee insurer;

(b) the transfer to the transferee insurer of the business, properties, assets and liabilities of the insurer on such terms and conditions as may be specified in the scheme;

(c) any change in the Board of directors or the appointment of a new Board of directors of the transferee insurer and the authority by whom, the manner in which, and the other terms and conditions on which, such change or appointment shall be made and, in the case of appointment of a new Board of directors or of any director, the period for which such appointment shall be made;

(d) the alteration of the memorandum and an ides of association of the transferee insurer for the purpose of altering the capital thereof or for such other purposes as may be necessary to give effect to the amalgamation;

(e) subject to the provisions of the scheme, the continuation by or against the transferee insurer, of any actions or proceedings pending against the insurer;

(f) the reduction of the interest of rights which the shareholders, policy-holders and other creditors have in or against the insurer betore the amalgamation to such extent as the Controller considers necessary in the public interest or in the interests of the shareholders, policy-holders and other creditors or for the maintenance of the business of the insurer;

(g) the payment in cash or otherwise to policy-holders and other creditors in full satisfaction of their claim,-

(i) in respect of their interest or rights, in or against the insurer before the amalgamation; or

(ii) where their interest or rights aforesaid in or against the insurer has or have been reduced under clause (f), in respect of such interest or rights as so reduced;

 

(h) the allotment to the shareholders of the insurer for shares held by them therein before the amalgamation [whether their interest in such shares has been reduced under clause (f) or not] of shares in the transferee insurer and where any shareholders claim payment in cash and not allotment of shares, or where it is not possible to allot shares to any shareholders, the payment in cash to those shareholders in full satisfaction of their claim-

(i) in respect of their interest in shares in the insurer before the amalgamation; or

(ii) where such interest had been reduced under clause (f) in respect of their interest in shares as so reduced;

 

(i) the continuance of the services of all the employees of the insurer (excepting such of them as not being workmen within the meaning of the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947, are specifically mentioned in the scheme) in the transferee insurer at the same remuneration and on the same terms and conditions of service which they were getting or as the case may be, by which they were being governed immediately before the date of the amalgamation:

(j) notwithstanding anything contained in clause (i), where any of the employees of the insurer not being workmen within the meaning of the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947, are specifically mentioned in the scheme under clause (i) or where any employees of the insurer have by notice in writing given to the insurer, or as the case may be, the transferee insurer at any time before the expiry of one month next following the date on which the scheme is sanctioned by the Central Government, intimated their intention of not becoming employees of the transferee insurer, the payment to such employees of compensation, if any, to which they are entitled under the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947, and such pension, gratuity, provident fund or other retirement benefits ordinarily admissible to them under the rules or authorisations of the insurer immediately before the date of the amalgamation;

(k) any other terms and conditions for the amalgamation of the insurer;

(l) such incidental, consequential and supplemental matters as are necessary to secure that the amalgamation shall be fully and effectively carried out.

 

(3)

 

(a) A copy of the scheme prepared by the Controller shall be sent in draft to the insurer and also to the transferee insurer and any other insurer concerned in the amalgamation for suggestions and objections, if any, within such period as the Controller may specify for this purpose.

(b) The Controller may make such modifications, if any, in the draft scheme as he may consider necessary in the light of the suggestions and objections received from the insurer and also from the transferee insurer and any other insurer concerned in the amalgamation and from any shareholder, policy-holder or other creditor of each of those insurers and the transferee insurer.

 

(4) The scheme shall thereafter be placed before the Central Government for the sanction and the Central Government may sanction the scheme without any modification or with such modifications as it may consider necessary; and the scheme as sanctioned by the Central Government shall come into force on such date as the Central Government may specify in this behalf : Provided that different dates may be specified for different provisions of the scheme.

 

(5) The sanction accorded by the Central Government under sub-sec. (4) shall be conclusive evidence that all the requirements of this section relating to amalgamation have been complied with and a copy of the sanctioned scheme certified in writing by an officer of the Central Government to be a true copy thereof, shall, in all legal proceedings (whether in appeal or otherwise) be admitted as evidence to the same extent as the original scheme.

 

(6) The Controller may, in like manner, add to, amend or vary any scheme made under this section.

 

(7) On and from the date of the coming into operation of the scheme or any provision thereof, the scheme or such provision shall be binding on the insurer or, as the case may be, on the transferee insurer and any other insurer concerned in the amalgamation and also on all the shareholders, policy-holders and other creditors and employees of those insurers and of the transferee insurer, and on any other person having any right or liability in relation to any of those insurers or the transferee insurer.

 

(8) On and from such date as may be specified by the Central Government in this behalf, the properties and assets of the insurer shall, by virtue of and to the extent provided in the scheme, and stand transferred to, and vest in, and the liabilities of the insurer shall, by virtue of and to the extent provided in the scheme, stand transferred to and become the liabilities of, the transferee insurer.

 

(9) If any difficulty arises in giving effect to the provisions of the scheme, the Central Government may by order do anything not inconsistent with such provisions which appear to it necessary or expedient for the purpose of removing the difficulty.

 

(10) Copies of every scheme made under this section and of every order made under sub-section (9) shall be laid before each House of Parliament, as soon as may be, after the scheme has been sanctioned by the Central Government, or as the case may be, the order has been made.

 

(11) Nothing in this section shall be deemed to prevent the amalgamation with an insurer by a single scheme of several insurers.

 

(12) The provisions of this section and of any scheme made under it shall have effect notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in any other provisions of this Act or in any other law or any agreement, award or other instrument for the time being in force.

 

(13) The provisions of section 37 shall not apply to an amalgamation given effect to under the provisions of this section].

 

"Clause 17 inserts provisions to empower the Controller of he is satisfied that it is necessary to do so on certain grounds, to prepare a scheme for the amalgamation or an insurer with another insurer and after securing the suggestions or objections from both the insurers concerned, to place the scheme before the Central Government. When the Central Government approves the scheme it shall be final legally binding and shall take effect from the dale specified by the Central Government".-Gazette of India, 8-4-1968, Pt. II, S. 2, Extra., p 386.

 

Section 38 Assignment and transfer of insurance policies

 

(1) A transfer or assignment of a policy of life insurance, whether with or without consideration, may be made only by an endorsement upon the policy itself or by a separate instrument, signed or in either case by the transfer or by the assignor or his duly authorized agent and attested by at least one witness, specifically setting forth the fact of transfer or assignment.

 

(2) The transfer or assignment shall be complete and effectual upon the execution of such endorsement or instrument duly attested but 335[a] Substituted for "lifetime of the policy-holder" by Ac,: 11 of 1939, S. 15. [except where the transfer or assignment is in favour of the insurer] shall not be operative as against an insurer and shall not confer upon the transferee or assignee, or his legal representative, any right to sue for the amount of such policy or the moneys secured thereby until a notice in writing of the transfer or assignment 336[a] Substituted for "lifetime of the policy-holder" by Ac,: 11 of 1939, S. 15. [ 337[a] Substituted for "lifetime of the policy-holder" by Ac,: 11 of 1939, S. 15. [and] either the said endorsement or instrument itself or a copy thereof certified to be correct by both transferor and transferee or their duly authorized scents] 338[a] Substituted for "lifetime of the policy-holder" by Ac,: 11 of 1939, S. 15. [have been delivered] to the insurer 339[a] Substituted for "lifetime of the policy-holder" by Ac,: 11 of 1939, S. 15. [* * *].

 

(5) Where the policy matures for payment during the 340[a] Substituted for "lifetime of the policy-holder" by Ac,: 11 of 1939, S. 15. [lifetime of the person whose life is insured] or where the nominee or, if there are more nominees than one, all the nominees die before the policy matures for payment, the amount secured by the policy shall be payable to the policy-holder or his heirs or legal representatives or the holder of a succession certificate, as the case may be.

 

(6) Where the nominee of, if there are more nominees than one, a nomineee or nominees survive the 341[a] Substituted for "policy-holder" by Act 11 of 1939, S 15. [person whose life is insured], the amount secured by the policy shall be payable to such survivor or survivors.

 

(7) The provisions of this section shall not apply to any policy of life insurance to which section 6 of the Married Women's Property Act, 1874, applies 342[a] Inserted by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1946 (6 of 1946), S. 20 (20-3-1946). [or has at any time applied : Provided that where a nomination made whether before or after the commencement of the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1946, in favour of the wife of the person who has insured his life or of his wife and children or any of them is expressed, whether or not on the face of the policy, as being made under this section the said section 6 shall be deemed not to apply or not to have applied to the policy].

Section 39(4), Proviso.- The words "its reassignment on repayment of the loan' were inserted in the proviso to Section 39(4)by the Select Committee. "The words inserted are intended to remove any doubt whither, when an assignment of the nature referred to is cancelled by the reassignment of the policy to the holder, that reassignment can affect the rights of the nominee. "- S.C.R. Gazette of India, 1941, Pt. V, p. 79.

(5) 343[a] Substituted for "from the date of the receipt of the notice referred to in sub-section (2), the insurer shall' by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1939 (11 of 1939), S. 14.a [Subject to the terms and conditions of the transfer or assignment, the insurer shall, from the date of the receipt of the notice referred to in sub-section (2)], recognize the transferee or assignee named in the notice as the only person entitled to benefit under the policy, and such person shall be subject to all liabilities and equities to which the transferor or assignor was subject at the date of the transfer or assignment and may institute any proceedings in relation to the policy without obtaining the consent of the transferor or assignor or making him a party to such proceedings.

 

344[a] Substituted for the original sub-section by Act 11 of 1939, S. 14. [(6) Any rights and remedies of an assigneee or transferee of a policy of life insurance under an assignment or transer effected prior to the commencement of this Act shall not be affected by the provisions of this section].

 

(7) Notwithstanding any law or custom having the force of law to the contrary, an assignment in favour of a person made with the condition that it shall be inoperative or that the interest shall pass to some other person on the happening of a specified event during the 345[a] Substituted for "life of the policy-holder" by Act 11 of 1939, S. 14. [lifetime of a person whose life is insured], and an assignment in favour of the survivor or survivors of a number of persons, shall be valid.

 

Section 39 Nomination by policy-holder

 

(1) The holder of a policy of life insurance 347[b] Inserted by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1939 (1 of 1939), S. 14. [on his own life [* * *] ] may when effecting the policy or at any time before the policy matures for payment, nominate the person or persons to whom the money secured by the policy shall be paid in the event of his death : [Provided that where the insurer maintains one or more places of business in 348[g] Substituted for "the States" by the Jammu and Kashmir (Extension of Laws) Act, 1956 (62 of 1956), S. 2 and Schedule (1-1-1958). [India], such notice shall be delivered only at the place in 349[g] Substituted for "the States" by the Jammu and Kashmir (Extension of Laws) Act, 1956 (62 of 1956), S. 2 and Schedule (1-1-1958). [India] mentioned in the policy for the purpose or at his principal place of business in 350[g] Substituted for "the States" by the Jammu and Kashmir (Extension of Laws) Act, 1956 (62 of 1956), S. 2 and Schedule (1-1-1958). [India]].

 

(3) The date on which the notice referred to in sub-section (2) is delivered to the insurer shall regulate the priority of all claims under a transfer or assignment as between persons interested in the policy; and where there is more than one instrument of transfer or assignment the priority of the claims under such instruments shall be governed by the order in which the notices referred to in sub-section (2) are delivered.

 

(4) Upon the receipt of the notice referred to in sub-section (2), the insurer shall record the fact of such transfer or assignment together with the date thereof and the name of the transferee or the assignee and shall, on the request of the person by whom the notice was given, or of the transferee or assignee, on payment of a fee not exceeding one rupee, grant a written acknowledgment of the receipt of such notice; and any such acknowledgment shall be conclusive evidence against the insurer that he has duly received the notice to which such acknowledgment relates.

 

351[d] The proviso was inserted, by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950 (47 of 1950), S. :.9 (1-6-1950). [Provided that where any nominee is a minor it shall be lawful for the policy-holder to appoint in the prescribed manner any person to receive the money secured by the policy in the event of his death during the minority of the nominee].

 

(2) Any such nomination in order to be effectual shall unless it is incorporated in the text of the policy itself be made by an endorsement on the policy communicated to the insurer and registered by him in the records relating to the policy and any such nomination may at any time before the policy matures for payment be cancelled or changed by an endorsement or a further endorsement or a will, as the case may be, 352[a] Inserted by Act II of 1939, S. 15. [but unless notice in writing of any such cancellation or change has been delivered to the insurer, the insurer shall not be liable for any payment under the policy made bona fide by him to a nominee mentioned in the next of the policy or registered in records of the insurer].

 

353[a] Substituted for the original sub-section by Act 11 of '939, S. 15. [(3) The insurer shall furnish to the policy-holder a written acknowledgment of having registered a nomination or a cancellation or change thereof, and may charge a fee not exceeding one rupee for registering such cancellation or change].

 

(4) A transfer or assignment of a policy made in accordance with section 38 shall automatically cancel a nomination: 354[a] Inserted by the Insurance (Amendment) Act. 1941 (I? of 1941), S. 26 (8-4-1941). [Provided that the assignment of a policy to the insurer who bears the risk on the policy at the time of the assignment, in consideration of a loan granted by that insurer on the security of the policy within its surrender value, or its reassignment on repayment of the loan shall not cancel a nomination, but shall affect the rights of the nominee only to the extent of the insurer's interest in the policy].

 

Section 40 Prohibition of payment by way of commission or otherwise for procuring business

 

(1)No person shall, after the expiry of six months from the commencement of this Act, pay or contract to pay any remuneration or reward whether by way of commission or otherwise for soliciting or procuring insurance business in India to any person 355 In Section 31B, the words "except an insurance agent or a principal, chief or special agent" shall be substituted by Insurance (Amendment) Act, 2002 (42 of 2002), published in the Gazette of India, Extra., Part 11, Section 1"except an insurance agent or an intermediary or insurance intermediary" or a principal chief or special agent.

 

356[a] Inserted by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1946 (6 of 1946), S. 21 (20-3-1946). [(1A) In this section and section 357[b] Inserted, by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950 (47 of 1950), S. 30 (1-9-1950). [40A], 41 and 43, references to an insurance agent shall be construed as including references to an individual soliciting or procuring insurance business- exclusively in 358[c] Substituted for "a Part B State" by 3 A.L.O., 1956. [the territories which, immediately before the 1st November, 1956, were comprised in a Part B State] notified in this behalf by the Central Government in the Official Gazette and holding a valid licence as an insurance agent under the law of 359[d] Substituted for "that State", by 3 A.L.O., 1956. [that Part B State]].

 

(2) No insurance agent 360[a] The words "licensed under S. 42" were omitted by Act 11 of 1939, S. 16.[* * *] shall be paid or contract to be paid by way of commission or as remuneration in any form an amount exceeding, in the case of life insurance business, forty per cent of the first year's premium payable on any policy or policies effected through him and five per cent of a renewal premium 361[b] Inserted by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1946 (6 of 1946), S. 21 (20-3-1946). [payable on such a policy], or in the case of business of any other class, fifteen per cent of the premium:

 

Provided that insurers, in respect of life insurance business only, may pay, during the first ten years of their business, to their insurance agents fifty-five per cent of the first year's premium payable on any policy or policies effected through them and six per cent of the renewal premiums 362[b] Inserted by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1946 (6 of 1946), S. 21 (20-3-1946). [payable on such policies]:

363[c] Inserted, by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950 (47 of 1950), S. 30 (1-9-1950). [Provided further that nothing in this sub-section shall apply in respect of any policy of life insurance issued after the 31st day of December, 1950,orin respect of any policy of general insurance issued after the commencement of the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950].

 

364[a] Inserted by Act 6 of 1946, S. 21 (20-3-1946). [(2A) Save as hereinafter provided, 365 In Section 40,sub-section (2A) the words "no insurance agent" shall be substituted by Insurance (Amendment) Act, 2002 (42 of 2002), published in the Gazette of India, Extra., Part 11, Section 1"no insurance agent or intermediary or insurance intermediary" shall be paid or contract to be paid by way of commission or as remuneration in any form any amount in respect of policy not effected through him :

 

Provided that where a policy of life insurance has lapsed, and it cannot under the terms and conditions applicable to it, be revived without further medical examination of the person whose life was insured thereby, an insurer, after giving by notice in writing to the insurance agent through whom the policy was effected 366[b] Inserted by Act 47 of 1950, S. 30 (1-9-1950). [if such agent continues to be an agent of the insurer] an opportunity to effect the revival of the policy within a time specified in the notice, being not less than one month from the date of the receipt by him of the notice, may pay to another insurance agent who effects the revival of the policy an amount calculated at a rate not exceeding half the rate of commission at which the agent through whom the policy was effected would have been paid had the policy not lapsed, on the sum payable on revival of the policy on account of arrear premiums (excluding any interest on such arrear premiums) and also on the subsequent renewal premiums payable on the policy].

 

(3) Nothing in this section shall prevent the payment under any contract existing prior to the 27th day of January, 1937, of gratuities or renewal commission to 367[a] Substituted for "an insurance agent" by Act I I of 1939, S. 16. [any person, whether an insurance agent within the meaning of this Act or not], or to his representatives after his decease in respect of insurance business effected through him before the said date.

 

Section 40A Limitation of expenditure on commission

 

368 Sections 40-A, 40-B and 40-C were inserted by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950 (47 of 1950), S. 31 (1-9-1950).

(1) No person shall pay or contract to pay to an insurance agent, and no insurance agent shall receive or contract to receive by way of commission or remuneration in any form in respect of any policy of life insurance issued in India by an insurer after the 31st day of December, 1950, and effected through an insurance agent, an amount exceeding-

 

(a) where the policy grants an immediate annuity or a deferred annuity in consideration of a single premium, or where only one premium is payable on the policy, two per cent of that premium.

(b) where the policy grants a deferred annuity in consideration of more than one premium, seven and a half per cent of the first year's premium, and two percent of each renewal premium, payable on the policy and

(c) in any other case, thirty-five per cent of the first year's premium, seven and a half per cent of the second and third year's renewal premium, and thereafter five per cent of each renewal premium, payable on the policy:

 

(2) No person shall pay or contract to pay to a special agent, and no special agent, shall receive or contract to receive, by way of commission or as remuneration in any form, in respect of any policy of life insurance issued in India by an insurer after the 31st day of December, 1950, and effected through a special agent, an amount exceeding-

 

(a) in a case referred to in clause (a) of sub-section (1), one half per cent of the premium.

(b) in a case referred to in clause (b) of sub-section (1), two per cent of the first year's premium payable on the policy, and

(c) in a case referred to in clause (c) of sub-section (1), fifteen per cent of the first year's premium payable on the policy;

 

(3) No person shall pay or contract to an insurance agent, and no insurance agent shall receive or contract to receive, by way of commission or remuneration in any form in respect of any policy of general insurance issued in India by an insurer after the commencement 369 1st September 1950-See footnote [b] under S. 2C. of 370 Substituted for certain words and former clauses (a) and (b) by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1968 (62 of 1968), S.I 8(1 -6-1969). [the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1968], and effected through an insurance agent, an amount exceeding-

 

371 Substituted for certain words and former clauses (a) and (b) by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1968 (62 of 1968), S.I 8(1 -6-1969). [(a) where the policy relates to fire or marine insurance, five per cent of the premium payable on the policy, and

(b) where the policy relates to miscellaneous insurance, ten per cent of the premium payable on the policy].

 

(4) No person shall pay or contract to pay to a principal agent and no principal agent shall receive or contract to receive by way of commission or remuneration in any form, in respect of any policy of general insurance issued in India by an insurer after the commencement of the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950, and effected through a principal agent, an amount exceeding-

 

(a) in the case referred to in clause (a) of sub-section (3), twenty per cent, of the premium payable on the policy; and

(b) in the case referred to in clause (b) of that sub-section, fifteen per cent of the policy, less any commission payable to any insurance agent in respect of the said policy :

 

(5) Without prejudice to the provisions of section 102 in respect of a contravention of any of the provisions of the preceding sub-sections by an insurer, any insurance agent who contravenes the provisions of sub-section (1) or sub-section (3) shall be punishable with fine which may extend to one hundred rupees].

 

section 40A to Section 40C and Part II-A.- "Provide for the control of overall expenses of all insurers through the medium of a statutory association of insurers and two Councils operating through two Executive Committees with Government representation, one being for life and the other for general insurance. The General Insurance Council is also to regulate the tariff rates and conditions. Maximum rates of commission to insurance agents and special agents in life insurance business and to insurance agents and principal agents in general insurance business are prescribed".- S.O.R., Gazette of India, 1949, Extra, page 2214. section 40A to Section 40C read with Sch. VI.- "We think that the minimum number of insurance agents for a special agent should be two and for a chief agent, six in the case of small companies, and twelve in the case of big companies. The special agent may at the same time be permitted to do personal business, but he should procure annually for the insurer at least business to the extent of fifty thousand rupees sum assured. The principal agent may also in certain circumstances be permitted to do personal business. Some relaxation in the case of principal agents doing head office work for foreign insurers should, in our opinion, be allowed for a limited period as in the Proviso in the proposed section 40A(4). The limitation of expenses regarding life insurance business should be brought into force from 1st January, 1951, while the limitation of expenses for general insurance business may be from 1st January, 1950. We think that the basic limitation in either case should be prescribed by rules made under the Act, but the rules so made should have due regard to the size and age of the insurers concerned. We also feel that all decisions connected with relaxations in the limits of expenses for insurers should be taken by the Controller himself, after consulting the Executive Committee of the relevant Insurance Council". -S. C. R. Gazette of India, 1950, Pt. II, S. 2. page 100.

 

Section 40B Limitation of expenses of management in life insurance business

 

(1) Every insurer transacting life insurance business in India shall furnish to the Controller, within such time as may be prescribed, statements in the prescribed form certified by an actuary on the basis of premiums currently used by him in regard to new business in respect of mortality, rate of interest, expenses and bonus loading.

 

(2) After the 31st day of December, 1950, no insurer shall, in respect of life insurance business transacted by him in India, spend as expenses of management in any calendar year an amount in excess of the prescribed limits and in prescribing any such limits regard shall be had to the size and age of the insurer and the provision generally made for expenses of management in the premium rates of insurers : Provided that where an insurer has spent as such expenses in any year an amount in excess of the amount permissible under this sub-section, he shall not be deemed to have contravened the provisions of this section, if the excess amount so spent is within such limits as may be fixed in respect of the year by the Controller after consultation with the Executive Committee of the Life Insurance Council constituted under Section 64F, by which the actual expenses incurred may exceed the expenses permissible under this sub-section.

 

(3) In respect of any statement mentioned in sub-section (1), the Controller may require that it shall be submitted to another actuary appointed by the insurer for the purpose and approved by the Controller, for certification by him, whether with or without modifications.

 

(4) Every insurer transacting life insurance business in India shall incorporate in the revenue account -

 

(a) a certificate signed by the chairman and two directors and by the principal officer of the insurer, and an auditor's certificate, certifying that all expenses of management in respect of life insurance business transacted by the insurer in India have been fully debited in the revenue account as expenses; and

(b) if the insurer is carrying on any other class of insurance business in addition to life insurance business an auditor's certificate certifying that all charges incurred in respect of his life insurance business and in respect of his business other than life insurance business have been fully debited in the respective revenue accounts.

 

but does not include in the case of an insurer having his principal place of business in India any share of head office expenses in respect of life insurance business transacted by him outside India.]

 

Section 40C Limitation of expenses of management in general insurance business

 

372[a] See footnote under Section 40A.

(1) After the 31st day of December, 1949, no insurer shall, it respect of any class of general insurance business transacted by him in India, spend, in any calendar year as expenses of management including commission or remuneration for procuring business an amount in excess of the prescribed limits and in prescribing any such limits regard shall be had to the size and age of the insurer: Provided that where an insurer has spent as such expenses in any year an amount in excess of the amount permissible under this sub-section, he shall not be deemed to have contravened the provisions of this section, if the excess amount so spent is within such limits as may be fixed in respect of the year by the Controller after consultation with the Executive Committee of the General Insurance Council constituted under Section 64F, by which the actual expenses incurred may exceed the expenses permissible under this sub-section.

 

(2) Every insurer as aforesaid shall incorporate in the revenue account a certificate signed by the chairman and two directors and by the principal officer of the insurer, and by an auditor certifying that all expenses of management, wherever incurred, whether directly or indirectly, in respect of the business referred to in this section, have been fully debited in the revenue account as expenses.

 

"Clause 19 is intended to clarify a doubt in regard to the interpretation of Section 40C; the amendment seeks to define more precisely the expenses which need not be treated as expenses of management for the purposes of limitations imposed by the section." -ERROR, Extra, p. 386 (387) :

 

Section 41 Prohibition of rebates

 

(1) No person shall allow or offer to allow, either directly or indirectly, as an inducement to any person to 373[a] Substituted for "effect or renew" by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1941 (13 of 1941), Section 27 (8-4-1941). (take out or renew or continue] an insurance in respect of any kind of risk relating to lives or property in India, any rebate of the whole or part of the commission payable or any rebate of the premium shown on the policy, nor shall any person taking out or renewing 374[b] Inserted, by the Insurance (Amendment) Act.[or continuing] a policy accept any rebate, except such rebate as may be allowed in accordance with the published prospectuses or tables of the insurer. 375[c] Substituted for certain words, by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1946 (6 of 1946), Section 22 (20-3-1946). [Provided that acceptance by an insurance agent of commission in connection with a policy of life insurance taken out by himself on his own life shall not be deemed to be acceptance of a rebate of premium within the meaning of this sub-section if at the time of such acceptance the insurance agent satisfies the prescribed conditions establishing that he is a bona fide insurance agent employed by the insurer.]

 

(2) Any person making default in complying with the provisions of this section shall be punishable with fine which may extend to 376[c] Substituted for certain words, by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1946 (6 of 1946), Section 22 (20-3-1946). [Five hundred rupees].

 

Section 42 Licensing of insurance agents

 

377[a] Substituted for the former sub-section (1) by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1957 (35 of 1957), Section 3 (with retrospective effect from 1-9-1957).

[(1) The Controller or an officer authorised by him in this behalf shall in the prescribed manner and on payment of the prescribed fee which shall not be more than 378[b] Substituted for "ten rupees", by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1968, Section 20 (1-6-1969). [twenty-five rupees,] issue to any person making an application in the prescribed manner a licence to act as an insurance agent for the purpose of soliciting or procuring insurance business:

 

Provided that -

(a) in the case of an individual, he does not suffer from any of the disqualification's mentioned in sub-section (4), and

(b) in the case of a company or firm, any of its directors or partners does not suffer from any of the said disqualification's, and the company or firm was immediately before the 1st day of August, 1957, holding a certificate issued under Section 42A entitling it to act as a principal agent for the purpose of procuring insurance business :

Provided further that in the case of a company or firm, the licence under this sub-section shall be issued only for the purpose of soliciting or procuring general insurance business.]

 

 

(2) A licence issued under this Section shall entitle the holder to act as an insurance agent for any 379[a] The word "registered" was omitted by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950 (47 of 1950), Section 32 (1-9-1950).[* * *] insurer.

 

380[a] Sub-sections (3) and (3A) were substituted for the original sub-section (3) by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950 (47 of 1950), Section 32 (1-9-1950). [(3) A licence issued under this Section, after the commencement of the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950, shall remain in force for a period of three years only from the date of issue, but shall, [if the applicant, being an individual does not, or being a company or firm any of its directors or partners does not, suffer from any of the disqualification's mentioned in clauses (b), (c) and (d) of sub-section (4)]; and the application for renewal of the licence reaches the issuing authority at least thirty days before the date on which the licence ceases to remain in force, be renewed for a period of three years at any one time on payment of the prescribed fee which shall not be more than [twenty-five rupees,] and an additional fee of a prescribed amount, not exceeding d [ten rupees] by way of penalty, if the application for renewal of the licence does not reach the issuing authority at least thirty days before the date on which the licence ceases to remain in force.

 

(3-A) No application for the renewal of a licence under this section shall be entertained if the application does not reach the issuing authority before the licence ceases to remain in force:

 

Provided that the Controller may, if satisfied that undue hardship would be caused otherwise, accept any application in contravention of this sub-section on payment by the applicant of a penalty of 381[e] Substituted for "thirty rupees", by Act 62 of 1968.[seventy-five rupees].]

 

(4) The disqualification above referred to shall be the following :-

 

(a) that the person is a minor;

(b) that he is found to be of unsound mind by a Court of competent jurisdiction;

(c) that he has been found guilty of criminal misappropriation or criminal breach of trust or cheating [or forgery or an abutment of or attempt to commit any such offence] by a Court of competent jurisdiction : 382[b] Substituted for "Superintendent of Insurance", by Insurance (Amendment) Act, !950 (47 of 1950), Section 4 (1-6-1950). [Provided that, where at least five years have elapsed since the completion of the sentence imposed on any person in respect of any such offence; the [Controller] shall ordinarily declare in respect of such person that his conviction shall cease to operate as a disqualification under this clause;]

(d) that in the course of any judicial proceeding relating to any policy of insurance or the winding up of an insurance company or in the course of an investigation of the affairs of an insurer it has been found that he has been guilty of or has knowingly participated in or connived at any fraud, dishonesty or misrepresentation 383[c] Substituted for "against an insurer or an assured" by Act 13 of 1941, Section 28. [against an insurer or an insured.]

 

(e)

 

384 In Section 42,sub-section (ea) shall be substituted by Insurance (Amendment) Act, 2002 (42 of 2002), published in the Gazette of India, Extra., Part 11, Section 1(ea) that in the case of a company or firm making an application under sub-section (1) or sub-section (3), a director or a partner or one or more of its officers or other employees so designated by it and in the case of any other person, the chief executive, by whatever name called, or one or more of his employees designated by him, do not possess the requisite qualifications and practical training and have not passed such an examination as required under clauses (e) and (f).

 

385[a] Substituted for sub-section (5) by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1957 (35 of 1957), Section 3 (with retrospective effect from 1-9-1957). [(5) If it be found that an insurance agent being an individual is, or being a company or firm contains a director or partner who is, suffering from any of the disqualification's mentioned in sub-section (4), then, without prejudice to any other penalty to which he may be liable, the Controller shall, and if the insurance agent has knowingly contravened any of the provisions of this Act may, cancel the license issued to the agent under this Section.]

 

386[a] Inserted by Act 13 of 1941, Section 28 (8-4-1941). [(6) The authority which issued any licence under this Section may issue a duplicate licence to replace a licence lost, destroyed or mutilated on payment of the prescribed fee which shall not be more than one rupee.]

 

387[a] Sub-sections (7) and (8) were inserted by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1957 (35 of 1957), Section 3 (with retrospective effect from 1-9-1957). [(7) Any person who acts as an insurance agent without holding a licence issued under this Section to act as such shall be punishable with fine which may extend to fifty rupees, and any insurer, or any person acting on behalf of an insurer, who appoints as an insurance agent any person not licensed to act as such or transacts any insurance business in India through any such person shall be punishable with tine which may extend to one hundred rupees.]

 

388[a] See footnote under sub-section (7). [(8) Where the person contravening sub-section (7) is a company or a firm, then, without prejudice to any other proceedings which may be taken against the company or firm, every director, manager, secretary or other officer of the company, and every partner of the firm who is knowingly a party to such contravention shall be punishable with fine which may extend to fifty rupees.]

 

Amendments made in 1957.- "Under Section 42B of the Insurance Act, 1938, no insurer can appoint or transact any insurance business in India through a principal agent after the 31st August, 1957. Individuals who have been working as Principal Agents hitherto can, however, continue on business as ordinary insurance agents. The general insurance industry has suggested that the knowledge and experience of the business acquired by the companies and firms who were working as principal agents should not be lost as it. It is, therefore, proposed that principal agents at present in business may, if they so desire, continue to play their part in the industry by acting as ordinary insurance agents. "The amendments made in this section seek to amend the Insurance Act for the purpose.- S. 0. R" Gazette of India, 1957, Extra, Pt. II, Sec. 2, page 438.

 

Section 42A Registration of principal agents, chief agents and special agents

 

389 Sections 42-A, 42-B and 42-C were inserted by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950 (47 of 1950). Section 33 (1-9-1950).

(1) The Controller or an officer authorized by him in this behalf shall, in the prescribed manner and on payment of the prescribed fee, which shall not be more than twenty-five rupees for a principal, agent or a chief agent and ten rupees for a special agent, register any person who makes an application to him in the prescribed manner if,-

 

(a) in the case of an individual, he does not suffer from any of the disqualifications mentioned in Section 42(4), or

(b) in the case of a company or firm, any of its directors or partners does not suffer from any of the said disqualifications, and a certificate to act as a principal agent, chief agent or special agent, as the case may be, for the purpose of procuring insurance business shall be issued to him.

 

(2) A certificate issued under this section shall entitle the holder thereof to act as a principal agent, chief agent or special agent, as the case may be, for any insurer,

 

(3) A certificate issued under this section shall remain in force for a period of twelve months only from the date of issue, but shall, on application made in this behalf, be renewed from year to year on production of a certificate from the insurer concerned that the provisions of clauses 2 and 3 of Part A of the Sixth Schedule in the case of a principal agent, the provisions of clauses 2 and 4 of Part B of the said schedule in the case of a chief agent, and the provisions of clauses 2 and 3 of Part C of the said Schedule in the case of a special agent, have been complied with, and on payment of the prescribed fee, which shall not be more than twenty-five rupees, in the case of a principal agent or a chief agent, and ten rupees in the case of a special agent, and an additional fee of the prescribed amount not exceeding five rupees by way of penalty, in cases where the application for renewal of the certificate does not reach the issuing authority before the date on which the certificate ceases to remain in force :

 

Provided that, where the applicant is an individual, he does not suffer from any of the disqualifications mentioned in clauses (b) to (d) of Section 42(4), and where the applicant is a company or a firm, any of its directors or partners does not suffer from any of the said disqualifications.

 

(4) Where it is found that the principal agent, chief agent or special agent being an individual is, or being a company or firm contains a director or partner who is, suffering from any of the disqualifications mentioned in Section 42(4), without prejudice to any other penalty to which he may be liable, the Controller shall, and where a principal agent, chief agent or special agent has contravened any of the provisions of this Act may, cancel the certificate issued under this section to such principal agent, chief agent or special agent.

 

(5) The authority which issued any certificate under this section may issue a duplicate certificate to replace a certificate lost, destroyed or mutilated on payment of the prescribed fee, which shall not be more than two rupees.

 

(6) Any person who acts as a principal agent, chief agent or special agent, without holding a certificate issued under this section to act as such, shall be punishable with fine which may extend to five hundred rupees, and any insurer or any person acting on behalf of any insurer, who appoints as a principal agent, chief agent or special agent any person not entitled to act as such or transacts any insurance business in India through any such person, shall be punishable with fine which may extend to one thousand rupees.

 

(7) Where the person contravening sub-section (6) is a company or a firm, then, without prejudice to any other proceedings which may be taken against the company or firm, every director, manager, secretary or any other officer of the company, and every partner of the firm who is knowingly a party to such contravention shall be punishable with fine which may extend to five hundred rupees.

 

(8) The provisions of sub-sections (6) and (7: shall not take effect until the expiry of six months from the commencement 390 1st September, 1950 - See footnote (b) under Section 2-C. of the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950.]

 

391 In Section 42A, sub-section (9) shall be inserted by Insurance (Amendment) Act, 2002 (42 of 2002), published in the Gazette of India, Extra., Part 11, Section 1(9) No insurer shall, on or after the commencement of the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 2002, appoint or transact any insurance business in India through any principal agent, chief agent or special agent.

 

Section 42B Regulation of employment of principal agents

 

(1) No insurer shall, after the expiration of seven years from the commencement of the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950, appoint, or transact any insurance business in India, through a principal agent.

 

(2) Every contract between an insurer and a principal agent shall be in writing and the terms contained in Part A of the Sixth Schedule shall be deemed to be incorporated in, and form part of, every such contract.

 

(3) No insurer shall, after the commencement of the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950 appoint any person as a principal agent except in a presidency-town unless the appointment is by way of renewal of any contract subsisting at such commencement.

 

(4) Within sixty days of the commencement of the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950, every principal agent shall file with the insurer concerned a full list of insurance agents employed by him indicating the terms of the contract between the principal agent and each of such insurance agents, and, if any principal agent fails to file such a list within the period specified, any commission payable to such principal agent on premiums received from the date of expiry of the said period of sixty days until the date of the filing of the said list shall, notwithstanding anything in any contract to the contrary, cease to be so payable.

 

(5) A certified copy of every contract as is referred to in sub-section (2) shall be furnished by the insurer to the Controller within thirty days of his entering into such contract and intimation of any change in any such contract shall be furnished by the insurer with full particulars thereof to the Controller within thirty days of the making of any such change.

 

(6) If the commission due to any insurance agent in respect of any general insurance business procured by such agent is not paid by the principal agent for any reason, the insurer may pay the insurance agent the commission so due and recover the amount so paid from the principal agent concerned.

 

(7) Every contract as is referred to in sub-section (2), subsisting at the commencement of the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950, shall, with respect to terms regarding remuneration, be deemed to have been so altered as to be in accordance with the provisions of section 40A(4).

 

(8) If any dispute arises as to whether a person is or was a principal agent, the matter shall be referred to the Controller, whose decision shall be final.

 

(9) Every insurer shall maintain a register in which the name and address of every principal agent appointed by him, the date of such appointment and the date, if any, on which the appointment ceased shall be entered.]

 

Section 42C Regulation of employment of chief agents and special agents

 

392[a] See footnote (a) under Section 42-A.

(1) Every contract between an insurer carrying on life insurance business and a chief agent shall be in writing, and shall specify the area (not being less in extent than a district or the equivalent thereof) for which the chief agent is appointed, and the terms contained in Part B of the Sixth Schedule shall be deemed to be incorporated in, and form part of, every such contract. -

 

(2) No chief agent shall, either directly or through insurance agents or special agents employed by or through him procure life insurance business for the insurer in any area outside the area for which he has been appointed or in any area for which another chief agent has been appointed or in any area in which the head office or any branch office of the insurer is operating, and neither the head office nor any branch office of the insurer shall operate in any area for which a chief agent has been appointed :

 

Provided that nothing in this sub-section shall be deemed to prohibit the head office of an insurer which had been operating at the commencement of the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950, for a period of not less than ten years before such commencement within the municipal limits of any town where the head office is situate. and a chief agent who, in pursuance of an agreement in writing, had been operating for a similar period within such limits, from continuing to operate within the said limits :

Provided further that nothing in this sub-section shall, be deemed to prohibit an insurance agent from procuring life insurance business in or from any area and submitting the proposals direct to the principal office of the insurer in 393[c] Substituted for "the States" by the Jammu and Kashmir (Extension of Laws) Act, 1956 (62 of 1956), Section 2 and Schedule (1-11-1956). [India].

 

(3) Within sixty days of the commencement of the Insurance (Amendment) Act. 1950, every chief agent shall file with the insurer concerned a full list of the insurance agents employed by him, indicating the terms of the contract between the chief agent and each of such insurance agents and the business secured by each of such agents, and if any chief agent fails to file such a list within the period specified, any commission payable to such chief agent on premiums received from the date of the expiry of the said period of sixty days until the date of the filing of the said list shall, notwithstanding anything in any contract to the contrary, cease to be so payable.

 

 

(4) Every contract between an insurer carrying on life insurance business and a special agent, or between a chief agent of such insurer and a special agent, shall be in writing and the terms contained in Part C of the Sixth Schedule shall be deemed to be incorporated in, and form part of, every such contract :

 

Provided that the Controller may, in the case of a contract between a co-operative life insurance society as defined in clause (b) of sub-section (1) of Section 95and a co-operative society registered under the Indian Co-operative Societies Act, 1912, or under any other law for the time being in force and acting as a special agent, alter, to such extent as he thinks fit, all or any of the said terms.

 

(5) A certified copy of every contract as is referred to in sub-section (1) or sub-section (4) shall be furnished by the insurer or the chief agent to the Controller within thirty days of his entering into such contract, and intimation of any change in any such contract shall be furnished by the insurer or the chief agent with full particulars thereof to the Controller within thirty days of the making of any such change.

 

(6) No such contract as is referred to in sub-section (1) or sub-section (4) shall be entered into or renewed for a period exceeding ten years at any one time, and, notwithstanding the terms of any contract to the contrary, no option to renew any such contract given to any of the parties shall be enforceable without the consent of the other.

 

(7) Every contract between an insurer and a person acting on behalf of such insurer who, before the commencement of the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950, has been employing insurance agents for the purpose of life insurance business; which is subsisting on such commencement, shall terminate after the expiration often years from such commencement, if it does not terminate earlier :

 

Provided that every such contract shall be modified by the parties before the 1st day of January, 1951, to bring it into conformity with this Act, and any such modification shall -

(i) as respects remuneration whether in respect of business already procured or in respect of business to be procured thereafter, be such as may be mutually agreed upon between the parties, subject, in the case of remuneration payable on business procured before such commencement, to a maximum of an overriding commission of two and a half per cent, plus a further commission not exceeding three and three-quarters per cent. on premiums in respect of which no commission is payable to any insurance agent;

(ii) be deemed to include all the terms specified in Part B or Part C of the Sixth Schedule, as the case may be :

Provided further that, in the event of any dispute as to the terms of any fresh contract, the matter shall be referred to arbitration.

 

(8) Any such contract as is referred to in sub-section (7) which was subsisting on the 1st day of January, 1949, but has terminated or has been terminated before the commencement of the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950, shall be subject to the maximum limits specified in clause (i) of the Proviso to sub-section (7) as respects remuneration, if any, payable on business procured before the termination of the contract.

 

(9) Nothing in this section shall be deemed to prevent any special agent from receiving any renewal commission on policies effected through him as an insurance agent at any time before his appointment as such special agent.

 

(10) If any dispute arises as to whether a person is or was a chief agent or a special agent for the purposes of this Act, the matter shall be referred to the Controller whose decision shall be final.

 

(11) Every insurer shall maintain a register in which the name and address of every chief agent appointed by him, the date on which the appointment was made and the date, if any, on which the appointment ceased shall be entered, and a separate register in which similar particulars relating to every special agent shall be entered, and every chief agent shall maintain a register in which similar particulars relating to every special agent appointed by him shall be entered.]

 

Section 42C1 Section 42C

 

[* * * *]

 

Section 42D Section 42E

 

[* * * *]

 

Section 42E Commission, brokerage or fee payable to intermediary or insurance intermediary.

 

394 Section 42E, shall be inserted by Insurance (Amendment) Act, 2002 (42 of 2002), published in the Gazette of India, Extra., Part 11, Section 1

(1) No intermediary or insurance intermediary shall be paid or contract to be paid by way of commission, fee or as remuneration in any form, an amount exceeding thirty per cent of the premium payable as may be specified by the regulations made by the Authority, in respect of any policy or policies effected through him : Provided that the Authority may specify different amounts payable by way of commission, fee or as remuneration to an intermediary or insurance intermediary or different classes of business of insurance.

 

(2) Without prejudice to the provisions contained in this Act, the Authority may, by the regulations made in this behalf, specify the requirements of capital, form of business and other conditions to act as an intermediary or insurance intermediary.

 

Section 43 Register of insurance agents

 

(1) Every insurer and every person who acting on behalf of an insurer employs 395[a] The word "licensed" was omitted by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1941 (13 of 1941). Section 29 (8-4-1941). [* * *] insurance agents shall maintain a register showing the name and address of every 396[a] The word "licensed" was omitted by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1941 (13 of 1941). Section 29 (8-4-1941). [* * *] insurance agent appointed by him and the date on which his appointment began and the date, if any, on which his appointment ceased. 397[b] Sub-sections (2) and (3) were omitted, by Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1957 (35 of 1957), Section 4 (1-9-1957). [* * * * * * * * * * *]

 

Section 44 Prohibition of cessation of payments of commission

 

(1) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in any contract between any person and an insurance agent providing for the forfeiture or stoppage of payment of renewal commission to such insurance agent no such person shall, in respect of life insurance business transacted .in India, refuse payment to an insurance agent of commission due to him to renewal premium under the agreement by reason only of the termination of his agreement, except for fraud : Provided that -

 

(a) such agent ceases to act for the insurer concerned after the Central Government has notified in the Official Gazette that it is satisfied that the circumstances in which the said insurer is placed are such as to justify the agent's ceasing to act for him; or

(b) such agent has served the insurer continually and exclusively in respect of life insurance business for at least five years and policies assuring a total sum of not less than fifty thousand rupees effected through him for the insurer were in force on a date one year before his ceasing to act as such agent for the insurer, and that the commission on renewal premiums due to him does not exceed four per cent. in any case; or

(c) such agent has served the insurer continually and exclusively for at least ten years and after his ceasing to act as such agent he does not directly or indirectly solicit or procure insurance business for any other person.

 

(2) Any commission payable to an insurance agent under the provisions of clauses (b) and (c) of the proviso to sub-section (1) shall, notwithstanding the death of the agent, continue to be payable to his heirs for so tong as such commission would have been payable had such insurance agent been alive.]

 

0."We are of the opinion that the commission payable to an agent in respect of renewal premiums paid on policies secured by him should continue to be payable, although he has ceased to work for the insurer, provided he had worked continuously for the insurer for five years and had built up a business in force of fifty thousand rupees. The renewal commission should, however, not exceed four per cent. We have also provided that on the death of such an agent, the commission should continue to be payable to the heirs for so tong as it would have been paid had the deceased been alive." S. C. R., Gazette of India, 1950, Pt. II, Sec. 2, p. 10:

 

Section 44A Power to call for information

 

[- For the purposes of ensuring compliance with the provisions of section 40A, Section 40B, Section 40C, Section 40B and 42C the Controller may by notice -

(a) require from an insurer, principal agent, chief agent or special agent such information, certified if so required by an auditor or actuary, as he may consider necessary;

 

(b) require an insurer, principal agent, chief agent or special agent to submit, for his examination at the principal place of business of the insurer in [India], any book of account, register or other document, or to supply any statement which may be specified in the notice;

 

(c) examine any officer of an insurer or a principal agent, chief agent or special agent on oath, in relation to any such information, book, register, document, or statement and administer the oath accordingly; and an insurer, principal agent, chief agent or special agent shall comply with any such requirement within such time as may be specified in the notice].

 

Section 45 Policy not to be called in question on ground of misstatement after two years

 

No policy of life insurance effected before the commencement of this Act shall, after the expiry of two years from the date of commencement of this Act and no policy of life insurance effected after the coming into force of this Act shall, after the expiry of two years from the date on which it was effected, be called in question by an insurer on the ground that a statement made in the proposal for insurance or in any report of a medical officer, or referee, or friend of the insured, or in any other document leading to the issue of the policy, was inaccurate or false, unless the insurer shows that such statement [was on a material matter or suppressed facts which it was material to disclose and that it was fraudulently made] by the policy-holder and that the policy-holder knew at the time of making it that the statement was false [or that it suppressed facts which it was material to disclose] : 400[b] Inserted, by Insurance (Amendment) Act. [Provided that nothing in this section shall prevent the insurer from calling for proof of age at any time if he is entitled to do so, and no policy shall be deemed to be called in question merely because the terms of the policy are adjusted an subsequent proof that the age of the life insured was incorrectly stated in the proposal].

 

Section 46 Application of the law in force in India to policies issued in India

 

The holder of a policy of insurance issued by an insurer in respect of insurance business transacted in [India] after the commencement of this Act shall have the right, notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in the policy or in any agreement relating thereto, to receive payment in 401 Substituted for "the States" by the Jammu and Kashmir (Extension of Laws) Act, 1950 (62 of 1956), Section 2 and Schedule (1-11-1956). [India] of any sum secured thereby and to sue for any relief in respect of the policy in any Court of competent jurisdiction in 402 Substituted for "the States" by the Jammu and Kashmir (Extension of Laws) Act, 1950 (62 of 1956), Section 2 and Schedule (1-11-1956). [India]; and if the suit is brought in 403 Substituted for "the States" by the Jammu and Kashmir (Extension of Laws) Act, 1950 (62 of 1956), Section 2 and Schedule (1-11-1956). [India] any question of law arising in connection with any such policy shall be determined according to the law in force in 404 Substituted for "the States" by the Jammu and Kashmir (Extension of Laws) Act, 1950 (62 of 1956), Section 2 and Schedule (1-11-1956). [India]: 405 Inserted by the Insurance (Amendment) Act. 1944 (7 of 1944), Section 2.[Provided that nothing in this Section shall apply to a policy of marine insurance]. Amendment made in 1944.- "The application of this Section to policies of marine insurance seriously interferes with the normal business of marine insurers inasmuch as marine insurance contracts are international in scope and are affected mostly for the benefit of the consignees abroad who have the option of stipulating the place where contracts are intended to be carried out". This defect is now removed by the amendment made in 1944.--- See S. O.R., Gaz. of India, 1944, Pt. V, p. 30.

 

Section 47 Payment of money into Court

 

(1) Where in respect of any policy of life insurance maturing for payment an insurer is of opinion that by reason of conflicting claims to or insufficiency of proof of title to the amount secured thereby or for any other adequate reason it is impossible otherwise for the insurer to obtain a satisfactory discharge for the payment of such amount, 406 Substituted for "the insurer shall" by the Insurance- (Amendment) Act, 1941 (13 of 1941), Section 32 (8-4-1941). [the insurer may], 407 The words "before the expiry of nine months from the date of the maturing of the policy or, where the circumstances are such that the insurer cannot be immediately aware of such maturing, from the date on which notice of such maturing is given to the insurer" were omitted, by Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950 (47 of 1950), Section 36 (1-6-1950). [* * *] apply to pay the amount into the Court within the jurisdiction of which is situated the place at which such amount is payable under the terms of the policy or otherwise.

 

(2) A receipt granted by the Court for any such payment shall be a satisfactory discharge to the insurer for the payment of such amount.

 

(3) An application for permission to make a payment into Court under this Section shall be made by a petition verified by an affidavit signed by a principal officer of the insurer setting forth the following particulars, namely :

 

(a) the name of the insured person and his address;

(b) if the insured person is deceased, the date and place of his death;

(c) the nature of the policy and the amount secured by it;

(d) the name and address of each claimant so far as is known to the insured with details of every notice of claim received;

(e) the reasons why in the opinion of the insurer a satisfactory discharge cannot be obtained for the payment of the amount; and

(f) the address at which the insurer may be served with notice of any proceeding relating to disposal of the amount paid into Court,

 

(4) An application under this section shall not be entertained by the Court if the application is made before the expiry of six months 408 Substituted for "from the death of the insured, or the maturing of the policy by survival" by Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1939 (11 of 1939), Section 18. [from the maturing of the policy by survival, or from the date of receipt of the notice by the insurer of the death of the insured, as the case may be.]

 

(5) If it appears to the Court that a satisfactory discharge for the payment of the amount cannot otherwise be obtained by the insurer it shall allow the amount to be paid into Court and shall invest the amount in Government securities pending its disposal.

 

(6) The insurer shall transmit to the Court every notice of claim received after the making of the application under sub-section (3), and any payment required by the Court as costs of the proceedings or otherwise in connection with the disposal of the amount paid into Court shall as to the costs of the application under sub-section (3) be borne by the insurer and as to any other costs be in the discretion of the Court.

 

(7) The Court shall cause notice to be given to every ascertained claimant of the fact that the amount has been paid into Court, and shall cause notice at the cost of any claimant applying to withdraw the amount to be given to every other ascertained claimant.

 

(8) The Court shall decide all questions relating to the disposal of claims to the amount paid into Court.

 

Section 47A Claims on small life insurance policies

 

(1) In the event of any dispute relating to the settlement of a claim on a policy of life insurance assuring a sum not exceeding two thousand rupees (exclusive of any profit or bonus not being a guaranteed profit or bonus) issued by an insurer in respect of insurance business transacted in India, arising between a claimant under the policy and the insurer who issued the policy or has otherwise assumed liability in respect thereof, the dispute may at the option of the claimant be referred to the Controller for decision, and the Controller may, after giving an opportunity to the parties to be heard and after making such further inquiries as he may think fit, decide the matter.

 

(2) The decision of the Controller under this sub-section shall be final and shall not be called in question in any Court, and may be executed by the Court which would have been competent to decide the dispute if it had not been referred to the Controller as if it were a decree passed by that Court.

 

(3) There shall be charged-and collected in respect of the duties of the Controller under this section such fees whether by way of percentage or otherwise as may be prescribed].

 

Section 48 Directors of insurers being companies

 

(1) Where the insurer is a company incorporated under the Indian Companies Act, 1913, 410[a] Inserted by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1939 (11 of 1939), Section 19. [or under the Indian Companies Act, 1882, or under the Indian Companies Act, 1866. or under any Act repealed thereby], and carries on the business of life insurance, not less than one-fourth of the whole number of the directors of the company 411[b] Inserted, by Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950 (Act 47 of 1950), Section 38 (1-6-1950). [the number to be elected not being less than two in any case] 412[c] Substituted for certain words, by Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1941 (13 of 1941), Section 33 (8-4-1941). [shall notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Articles of Association of the company be elected in the prescribed manner by the holders of the policies of life insurance issued by the company.

 

413[a] Inserted by Act (13 of 1941), Section 33 (8-4-1941). [(2) Only and all persons holding otherwise than as assignees policies of life insurance issued by the company of such minimum amount and having been in force for such minimum period as may be prescribed shall 414[b] Inserted by Act (7 of 1944), Section 3 (7-3-1944). [unless disqualified under sub-section (2A)] be eligible for election as directors under sub-section (1) and only and all persons holding policies of life insurance issued by the company and having been in force at the time of the election for not less than six months shall be eligible to vote at such elections : Provided that the assignment of a policy to the person who took out the policy shall not disqualify that person for being eligible for election as a director under sub-section (1)].

 

415[a] Inserted by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1944 (7 of 1944), Section 3 (7-3-1944). [(2A) A person shall be ineligible for election as a director under sub-section (1) of any company if he is a director, officer, employee or legal or technical adviser of that company, or of any other insurer, 416[b] The words "or is an insurance agent or employer of insurance agents" were omitted, by Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1946 (6 of 1946), Section 23 (20-3-1946). [* * *] and shall cease to be a director under sub-section (1) if after election he acqures any disqualification specified in this sub-section or no longer holds the qualifications required by sub-section (2) : Provided that nothing in this sub-section shall disqualify a person who is an elected director under sub-section (1) and is not otherwise disqualified under this sub-section from being re-elected: 417[c] Substituted for the Second Proviso, by Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950 (47 of 1950), Section 38 (1-6-1950). [Provided further that the Controller may exempt any director of a subsidiary company of the insurer from any disqualification imposed by this sub-section]].

 

418[a] Inserted by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1941 (13 of 1941), Section 33 (8-4-1941). [(3) The Central Government may, for such period, or to such extent and subject to such conditions as may be specified by it in this behalf, exempt from the operation of this section-

 

(a) any Mutual Insurance Company as defined in clause (a) of Section 95(1), in respect of which the 419[b] Substituted for the words "Superintendent of Insurance", by Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950 (47 of 1950), Section 4 (l-6-1950). [Controller] certifies that in his opinion owing to the conditions governing membership of the company or to the nature of the insurance contracts undertaken by it the application of the 420[c] Substituted for the words "provisions of this sub-section", by Insurance (Amendment) Act. Section 38 (1-6-1950). [provisions of this section] to the company is impracticable, or

[b] any company in respect of which the 421[b] Substituted for the words "Superintendent of Insurance", by Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950 (47 of 1950), Section 4 (l-6-1950). [Controller] certifies that in his opinion the company, having taken all reasonable steps to achieve compliance with the provisions of this section, has been unable to obtain the required number of directors with the required qualifications].

 

422[a] Substituted for the former sub-section by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1939(1 I of 1939), Section 19. [ 423[b] Original sub-section (2) was renumbered as (4), by Insurance (Amendment) Act. 1941 (13 of 1941), Section 33 (8-4-1941). [ [(4)] This Section shall not take effect, in respect of any company in existence at the commencement of this Act, until the expiry of one year therefrom, and in respect of any company incorporated after the commencement of this Act, until the expiry of two years from the date of registration to carry on life insurance business].

 

Sub-section (2) as inserted in 1941 "renders ineligible for election as policy-holders' directors persons who hold policies of life insurance merely on assignment to them, and disqualify as electors persons whose policies have been taken out only in the preceding three months".- S. C. R., Gazette of India, 1941, Pt. V, p. 79. Sub-section (2A).-- "Under section 48(2) employees and agents of the insurance companies are eligible for appointment as policy-holders' directors. This is destructive of the object of Section 48 since a policy-holder, who is an employee or agent of an insurance company, cannot be expected to safeguard the interests of policy-holders where those interests conflict with those of the shareholders. Such persons should, therefore, be disqualified from becoming policy-holders' directors": This defect is now removed by the amendments made in 1944 -S. O. R., Gazette of India, 1944, Pt. V, p. 30.

 

Section 48A Life insurance agents not to be directors of life insurance companies

 

[. .- No insurance agent who solicits or procures life insurance business, and [no chief agent or special agent] shall be eligible to be or remain a director of any insurance company carrying on life insurance business: Provided that any director holding office at the commencement of the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1946, shall not become ineligible to remain a director by reason of this section until the expiry of six months from the commencement of that Act]. "It is considered undesirable that a life insurance agent or an employer of insurance agents should be a director of any company transacting life insurance business." - S. 0. R.. Gazette of India, 1946, Pt. V, p. 13.

 

Section 48B Further provision regarding directors

 

(1) An insurer specified in sub-clause (b) of clause (9) of S.2 and carrying on life insurance business shall not have a common director with another such insurer.

 

(2) The Central Government may, for such period, to such extent and subject to such conditions as it may specify, exempt from the operation of this section -

 

(a) any insurer, who is a subsidiary company of another insurer, or

(b) two or more insurers, for the purpose of facilitating their amalgamation or the transfer of business of one insurer to the other].

 

Section 48C Appointment of additional directors

 

[Omitted by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1968 (62 of 1968), Section 21 (1-6-1969)].

 

Section 49 Restriction on dividends and bonuses

 

426[a] Substituted by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1941 (13 of 1941), Section 34 (8-4-1941).

427[a] Substituted by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1941 (13 of 1941), Section 34 (8-4-1941). [(1) No insurer, being an insurer specified in sub-clause (a)(ii) or sub-clause (b) of clause (9) of Section 2, who carries on the business of life insurance or any other class or sub-class of insurance business to which Section 13 applies shall, for the purpose of declaring or paying any dividend to shareholders or any bonus to policy-holders or of making any payment in service of any debentures, utilize directly or indirectly any portion of the life insurance fund or of the fund of such other class or sub-class of insurance business, as the case may be, except a surplus shown in the valuation 428 In Section 49, sub-section (1) the words "balance sheet in Form I as set forth in the Fourth Schedule" shall be substituted by Insurance (Amendment) Act, 2002 (42 of 2002), published in the Gazette of India, Extra., Part 11, Section 1"balance sheet in such form as may be specified by the regulations made by the Authority" submitted to the 429[c] Substituted for "Superintendent of Insurance", by Insurance (Amendment) Act. Section 4 (1-6-1950). [Controller] as part of the abstract referred to in Section 15 as a result of an actuarial valuation of the assets and liabilities of the insurer, nor shall he increase such surplus by contributions out of any reserve fund or otherwise unless such contributions have been brought in as revenue through the revenue account applicable to that class or sub-class of insurance business on or before the date of the valuation aforesaid, except when the reserve fund is made up solely of transfers from similar surpluses disclosed by valuations in respect of which returns have been submitted to the 430[c] Substituted for "Superintendent of Insurance", by Insurance (Amendment) Act. Section 4 (1-6-1950). [Controller] under Section 15 of this Act or to the Central Government under S.11 of the Life Assurance Companies Act, 1912 :

 

Provided that payments made out of any such surplus in service of any debentures shall not exceed fifty per cent. of such surplus including any payment by way of interest on the debentures, and interest paid on the debentures shall not exceed ten per cent. of any such surplus except when the interest paid on the debentures is offset against the interest set credited to the fund or funds concerned in deciding the interest basis adopted in the valuation disclosing the aforesaid surplus]:

431 In Section 49, sub-section (1) second proviso shall be substituted by Insurance (Amendment) Act, 2002 (42 of 2002), published in the Gazette of India, Extra., Part 11, Section 1Provided further that the share of any such surplus allocated to or reserved for the shareholders (including any amount for the payment of dividends guaranteed to them, whether by way of first charge or otherwise) shall not exceed such sums as may be specified by the Authority and such share shall in no case exceed ten per cent of such surplus in case of participating policies and in other cases the whole thereof

 

432[d] Inserted, by Insurance (Amendment) Act, Section 41. [(2) For the purposes of sub-section (1), the actual amount of income-tax deducted at source during the period following the date as at which the last preceding valuation was made and preceding the date as at which the valuation in question is made may be added to such surplus after deducting an estimated amount for income-tax on such surplus, such addition and deduction being shown in 433 In Section 49, sub-section (2) the words "Paragraph 8(1) of the abstract prepared in accordance with Part II of the Fourth Schedule to this Act" shall be substituted by Insurance (Amendment) Act, 2002 (42 of 2002), published in the Gazette of India, Extra., Part 11, Section 1"an abstract of the report of the actuary referred to in sub-section (1) of Section 13"].

 

Section 50 Notice of options available to the assured on the lapsing of a policy

 

An insurer shall, [before the expiry of three months from the date on which the premiums in respect of a policy of life insurance were payable but not paid], give notice to the policy-holder informing him of the options available to him 434[b] Added, by Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1941 (13 of 1941), Section 35 (8-4-1941). [unless these are set forth in the policy].

 

Section 51 Supply of copies of proposals and medical reports

 

Every insurer shall, on application by a policy-holder and on payment of a fee not exceeding one rupee, supply to the policy-holder certified copies of the questions put to him and his answers thereto contained in his proposal for insurance and in the medical report supplied in connection therewith.

 

Section 52 Prohibition of business on dividing principle

 

435 Section 52 was renumbered as sub-section (1) of that Section by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1941 (13 of 1941), Section 35 (8-4-1941). [(1)] No insurer shall, after the commencement of this Act begin, or after three years from that date continue to carry on, any business upon the dividing principle, that is to say, on the principle that the benefit secured by a policy is not fixed but depends either wholly or partly on the results of a distribution of certain sums amongst policies becoming claims within certain time-limits, or on the principle that the premiums payable by a policy-holder depend wholly or partly on the number of policies becoming claims within certain time-limits :

 

Provided that nothing in this Section shall be deemed to prevent an insurer from allocating bonuses to holders of policies of life insurance as a result of a periodical actuarial valuation either as reversionary additions to the sums insured or as immediate cash bonuses or otherwise: Provided further that an insurer who continues to carry on insurance business on the dividing principle after the commencement of this Act shall withhold from distribution a sum of not less than forty per cent. of the premiums received during each year after the commencement of this Act in which such business is continued so as to make up the amount required for investment under Section 27.

436 Sub-sections (2) and (3) were inserted, by Insurance (Amendment) Act. [(2) On the expiry of the period of three years referred to in sub-section (1), or on the insurer's ceasing before such expiry but at any time after the commencement of the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1941, to carry on business on the dividing principle, the insurer shall forthwith cause an investigation to be made by an actuary, who shall determine the amount accumulated out of the contributions received from the holders of all policies to which the dividing principle applies and the extent of the claims of those policy-holders against the realisable assets of the insurer, and shall, before the expiration of six months from the date on which he is entrusted with the investigation, make recommendations regarding the distribution, whether by cash payments or by the allocation of paid-up policies or by a combination of both methods, of such assets as he finds to appertain to such policy-holders; and the insurer shall, before the expiry of six months from the date on which the actuary makes his recommendations, distribute such assets in accordance with those recommendations.]

 

437 Sub-sections (2) and (3) were inserted, by Insurance (Amendment) Act. [(3) Where at any time prior to the commencement of the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1941, an insurer has ceased to carry on business on the dividing principle, the insurer shall, before the expiration of two months from the commencement of that Act, report to the 438 Substituted for "Superintendent of Insurance", by Insurance (Amendment) Act. 1950 (47 of 1950), Section 4 (1-6-1950). [Controller] the measures taken or proposed by him for the distribution among holders of policies to which the dividing principle applies of the assets due to them; and the 439 Substituted for "Superintendent of Insurance", by Insurance (Amendment) Act. 1950 (47 of 1950), Section 4 (1-6-1950). [Controller] may either sanction such measures or refuse his sanction, and, if he refuses his sanction or if the insurer does not report to him as required by this sub-section, the provisions of sub-section (2) shall apply to the insurer forthwith].

 

Section 52A When Administrator for management of insurance business may be appointed

 

(1) If at any time the Controller has reason to believe that an insurer carrying on life insurance business is acting in a manner likely to be prejudicial to the interests of holders of life insurance policies, he may, after giving such opportunity to the insurer to be heard as he thinks fit. make a report thereon to the Central Government.

 

(2) The Central Government, if it is of opinion after considering the report that it is necessary or proper to do so, may appoint an Administrator to manage the affairs of the insurer under the direction and control of the Controller.

 

(3) The Administrator shall receive such remuneration as the Central Government may direct and the Central Government may at any time cancel the appointment and appoint some other person as Administrator.

 

(4) The management of the business of the insurer shall as on and after the date of appointment of the Administrator vest in such Administrator, but except with the leave of the Controller the Administrator shall not issue any further policies

 

(5) As on and after the date of appointment of the Administrator any person vested with any such management immediately prior to that date shall be divested of that management.

 

(6) The Controller may issue such directions to the Administrator as to his powers and duties as he deems desirable in the circumstances of the case, and the Administrator may apply to the Controller at any time for instructions as to the manner in which he shall conduct the management of the business of the insurer or in relation to any matter arising in the course of such management.]

 

Section 52B Powers and duties of the Administrator

 

(1) The Administrator shall conduct the management of the business of the insurer with the greatest economy compatible with efficiency and shall, as soon as may be possible, file with the Controller a report staling which of the following courses is in the circumstances most advantageous to the general interests of the holders of life insurance policies, namely :-

 

(a) the transfer of the business of the insurer to some other insurer;

(b) the carrying on of its business by the insurer (whether with the policies of the business continued for the original sum insured with the addition of bonuses that attach to the policies or for reduced amounts);

(c) the winding up of the insurer; or

(d) such other course as he deems advisable.

 

(2) On the filing of the report with the Controller, the Controller may take such action as he thinks fit for promoting the interests of the holders of life insurance policies in general.

 

(3) Any order passed by the Controller under sub-section (2) shall be binding on all persons concerned, and shall have effect notwithstanding anything in the memorandum or articles of association of the insurer, of a company.]

 

Section 52BB Powers of Administrator respecting property liable to attachment under Section  106

 

(1) If the Administrator is satisfied that any person has rendered himself liable to be proceeded against under Section 106, he may, pending the institution of proceedings against such person under that Section, by order in writing prohibit him or any other person from transferring or otherwise disposing of any property which, in the opinion of the Administrator, would be liable to attachment in proceedings under that Section.

 

(2) Any person aggrieved by an order made by the Administrator under sub-section (1) may, within fourteen days from the date on which the order is served on him, appeal against such order to the Central Government, and the Central Government may pass such order thereon as it thinks fit.

 

(3) An order made by the Administrator under sub-section (1) shall, subject to any order made by the Central Government on appeal, be in force for a period of three months from the date of the order unless, before the expiry of the said period, an application is made under Section 106(1) to the Court competent to exercise jurisdiction under that sub-section, and when such an application is made, the order shall, subject to any order made by that Court, continue in force as if it were an order of attachment made by that Court in proceedings under that Section.

 

(4) An order made by the Administrator under this section shall,-

 

(a) in the case of an order affecting a corporation or firm, be served in the manner provided for the service of summons in Rule 2 of Order XXIX or Rule 3 of Order XXX, as the case may be, in the First Schedule to the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, and

(b) in the case of an order affecting a person not being a corporation or firm, be served on such person-

(i) personally, by delivering or tendering to him the order, or

(ii) by post, or

(iii) where the person cannot be found, by leaving a copy of the order with some adult male member of his family or by affixing such copy to some conspicuous part of the premises in which he is known to have last resided or carried on business or personally worked for gain, and every such order shall also be published in the Official Gazette.

 

(5) If any question arises whether a person was duly served with an order under sub- section (4), the publication of the order in the Official Gazette shall be conclusive proof that the order was so served, and a failure to comply with the provisions of clause (a) or clause (b) of sub-section (4) shall not affect the validity of the order.

 

(6) Notwithstanding anything contained in this section, any property in respect of which an order has been made by the Administrator may, with the previous permission of the Administrator and subject to such terms and conditions as he may impose, be transferred or otherwise disposed of.

 

(7) Notwithstanding anything contained in any other law for the time being in force, the transfer or other disposition of any property in contravention of any order made by the Administrator under this section or of any terms and conditions imposed by him shall be void.

 

(8) For the purpose of enabling him to form an opinion as to whether any property would be liable to attachment in proceedings under Section 106 or for the purpose of enabling him to institute proceedings under that Section, the Administrator may require any person to furnish information on such points or matters as, in the opinion of the Administrator, may be relevant for the purpose, and any person so required shall be deemed to be legally bound to furnish such information within the meaning of Section 176 of the Indian Penal Code.

 

(9) The Administrator shall have all the powers of a Civil Court under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, while trying a suit in respect of the following matters, namely :-

 

(a) summoning and enforcing the attendance of witnesses and examining them on oath;

(b) requiring the production of documents; and

(c) receiving evidence on affidavits; and any proceeding before the Administrator under this Section shall be deemed to be a judicial proceeding within the meaning of section 193 and Section 22B of the Indian Penal Code.

 

(10) Save as provided in this Section or in Section 106, and notwithstanding anything contained in any other law for the time being in force,-

 

(a) no suit or other legal proceeding shall lie in any Court to set aside or modify any order of the Administrator or the Central Government made under this Section, and

(b) no Court shall pass any decree, grant any injunction or make any other order which shall have the effect of nullifying or affecting in any way any such order].

 

Section 52C Cancellation of contracts and agreements

 

[ The Administrator may, at any time during the continuance of his appointment with respect to an insurer and after giving an opportunity to the persons concerned to be heard cancel or vary (either unconditionally or subject to such conditions as he thinks fit to impose) any contract or agreement (other than a policy) between the insurer and any other person which the Administrator is satisfied is prejudicial to the interests of holders of life insurance policies.]

 

Section 52D Termination of appointment of Administrator

 

[ If at any time, on a report made by the Controller in this behalf, it appears to the Central Government that the purpose of the order appointing the Administrator has been fulfilled or that for any reason it is undesirable that the order of appointment should remain in force, the Central Government may cancel the order and thereupon the Administrator shall be divested of the management of the insurance business which shall, unless otherwise directed by the Central Government, again vest in the person in whom it was vested immediately prior to the date of appointment of the Administrator.]

 

Section 52E Finality of decision appointing administrator

 

[ Any order or decision of the Central Government made in pursuance of Section 52A or Section 52Dshall be final and shall not be called in question in any Court.]

 

Section 52F Penalty for withholding documents or property from Administrator

 

[. .- If any director or officer of the insurer or any other person fails to deliver to the Administrator any books of account, registers or any other documents in his custody relating to the business of the insurer the management of which has vested in the Administrator, or retains any property of such insurer, he shall be punishable with imprisonment which may extend to six months, or with fine which may extend to one thousand rupees, or with both.]

 

Section 52G Protection of action taken under Sections S2-A to 52-D

 

(1) No suit, prosecution or other legal proceeding shall lie against an administrator for anything which is in good faith done or intended to be done in pursuance of 446[b] Substituted for "Sections 52A to 52C inclusive" by the Insurance (Second Amendment) Act, 1955 (54 of 1955), Section 3 (1-11-1955).[Section 52A, Section 52B, Section 52BBor Section 52C.]

 

(2) No suit or other legal proceeding shall lie against the Central Government or the Controller for any damage caused or likely to be caused by anything which is in good faith done or intended to be done under Section 52A, Section 52Bor Section 52D.]

 

Section 52H Power of Central Government to acquire undertakings of insurers in certain cases  

 

(1) If, upon receipt of a report from the controller, the Central Government is satisfied that an insurer -

 

(a) has persistently failed to comply with -

(i) any direction given to him under Section 34, Section 34F or Section 34G, or

(ii) any order made under Section 34E; or

 

(b) is being managed in a manner detrimental to the public interest or to the interests of his policy-holders or share-holders, and that -

(i) in the public interest, or

(ii) in the interests of the policy-holders or share-holders of such insurer, it is necessary to acquire the undertaking of such insurer, the Central Government may, by notified order, acquire the undertaking of such insurer (hereafter in this Section and in section 521, Section 52Jand Section 52Nand in the Eighth Schedule referred to as the acquired insurer) with effect from such date as may be specified in the order (hereafter in this Section and in section 521 and Section 52Jand in the Eighth Schedule referred to as the appointed day): Provided that no undertaking of an insurer shall be so acquired unless such insurer has been given a reasonable opportunity of showing cause against the proposed action.

 

 

(2) Subject to the other provisions contained in this Section and in section 52I to Section 52M, on the appointed day, all the assets and liabilities of the undertaking of the acquired insurer shall stand transferred to, and vest in, the Central Government.

 

(3) The assets and liabilities of the undertaking of the acquired insurer shall be deemed to include all rights, powers, authorities and privileges and all property, whether movable or immovable, including, in particular, cash balances, reserve funds, investments, deposits and all other interests and rights in, or arising out of such property, as may be in the possession of, or held by, the acquired insurer immediately before the appointed day and all books, accounts and documents relating thereto, and shall also be deemed to include all debts, liabilities and obligations, of whatever kind, then existing of the acquired insurer.

 

(4) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (2), the Central Government may, if it is satisfied that all the assets and liabilities of the undertaking of the acquired insurer should, instead of vesting in the Central Government, or continuing to so vest, vest in a corporation or company, whether established under the scheme made under Section 52-I or not (hereafter in this Section and in section 52I to Section 52Nand in the Eighth Schedule referred to as the acquiring insurer), by order, direct that the assets and liabilities of the said undertaking shall vest in the acquiring insurer, either on the publication of the notified order or on such other date as may be specified in this behalf in the direction.

 

(5) Where the undertaking of the acquired insurer vests in an acquiring insurer under sub-section (4), the acquiring insurer shall, on and from the date of such vesting, be deemed to have become the transferee of the acquired insurer and all the rights and liabilities in relation to the acquired insurer shall, on and from the date of such vesting, be deemed to have been the rights and liabilities of such acquiring insurer.

 

(6) Unless otherwise expressly provided by or under this Section or section 52I to Section 52M, all contracts, deeds, bonds, agreements, powers of attorney, grants of legal representation and other instruments of whatever nature subsisting or having effect immediately before the appointed day and to which the acquired insurer is a party or which are in favour of the acquired insurer shall be of as full force and effect against or in favour, of the Central Government or, as the case may be, the acquiring insurer, and may be enforced or acted upon as fully and effectually as if in the place of the acquired insurer the Central Government or the acquiring insurer had been a party thereto or as if they had been issued in favour of the Central Government or the acquiring insurer, as the case may be.

 

(7) If, on the appointed day, any suit, appeal or other proceeding, of whatever nature, is pending by or against the acquired insurer, the same shall not abate, be discontinued or be, in any way, prejudicially affected by reason of the transfer of the undertaking of the acquired insurer or of anything contained in this Section or in section 52Ito Section 52M, but the suit, appeal or other proceeding may be continued, prosecuted and enforced by or against the Central Government or the acquiring insurer, as the case .nay be.

 

Section 52I Power of Central Government to make scheme

 

(1) the Central Government may make a scheme for carrying out the purposes of section 52H and Section 52J to Section 52M (both inclusive) in relation to the acquired insurer.

 

(2) In particular, and without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing power, the said scheme may provide for all or any of the following matters, namely:-

 

(a) transfer of the undertaking, including the property, assets and liabilities of the acquired insurer to an acquiring insurer, and the capital, constitution name and office of the acquiring insurer;

(b) the constitution of the first Board of Management (by whatever name called) of the acquiring insurer and all such matters in connection therewith or incidental thereto as the Central Government may consider to be necessary or expendient;

(c) the continuance of the services of all the employees of the acquired insurer (excepting such of them as, not being workmen within the meaning of the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947, are specifically mentioned in the scheme) in the Central Government or in the acquiring insurer, as the case may be, on the same terms and conditions, so far as may be, as are specified in clauses (i) and (j) of Section 37A(2) so far as they may apply;

(d) the continuance of the rights of any person who, on the appointed day, is entitled to, or is in receipt of, a pension or other superannuation or compassionate allowance or benefit from the acquired insurer or any provident, pension or other fund or any authority administering such fund to be paid by and to receive from the Central Government or the acquiring insurer, as the case may be, or any provident, pension or other fund or any authority administering such fund, the same pension, allowance or benefit so tong as he observes the conditions on which the pension, allowance or benefit was granted, and if any question arises whether he has so observed such conditions, the question shall be determined by the Central Government and the decision of the Central Government thereon shall be final;

(e) the manner of payment to the acquired insurer in full satisfaction of his claim in relation to the compensation payable in accordance with the provisions of section 52J;

(f) the provision, if any, for completing the effectual transfer to the Central Government or the acquiring insurer of any asset or liability which forms part of the undertaking of the acquired insurer in any country outside India;

(g) such incidental, consequential and supplemental matters as may be necessary to secure that the transfer of the undertaking property, assets and liabilities of the acquired insurer to the Central Government or the acquiring insurer, as the case may be, is effectual and complete.

 

(3) The Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, add to, amend or vary any scheme made under this section.

 

(4) Every scheme made under this section shall be published in the Official Gazette.

 

(5) Copies of every scheme made under this section shall be laid before each House of Parliament as soon as may be after it is made.

 

(6) The provisions of section 52H and Section 52J to Section 52M and of any scheme made under this section shall have effect notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in any other provision of this Act or in any other law or any agreement, award or other instrument for the time being in force.

 

Section 52J Compensation to be given to the acquired insurer

 

(1) The acquired insurer shall be given by the Central Government or the acquiring insurer, as the case may be, such compensation in respect of the transfer of the undertaking of the acquired insurer as is determined in accordance with the principles contained in the Eighth Schedule.

 

(2) The amount of compensation to be given in accordance with the principles contained in the Eighth Schedule shall be determined, in the first instance, by the Central Government or the acquiring insurer, as the case may be, in consultation with the Controller, and shall be offered by it to the acquired insurer, in full satisfaction thereof.

 

(3) If the amount of compensation offered in terms of sub-section (2) is not acceptable to the acquired insurer, he may, before such date as may be notified by the Central Government in the Official Gazette, request the Central Government in writing to have the matter referred to the Tribunal constituted under section 52K.

 

(4) If before the date notified under sub-section (3) the Central Government does not receive request as provided in that sub-section, the amount of compensation offered under sub-section (2), or where a reference has been made to the Tribunal, the amount determined by it, shall be the compensation payable under sub-section (1) and shall be final and binding on all the parties concerned.

 

(5) Where the Central Government does not receive request as provided in sub- section (3), the compensation payable in pursuance of the provisions of this section shall become due for payment on the expiry of one year from the appointed day, and where a reference has been made to the Tribunal under sub-section (3), the amount determined by the Tribunal as compensation shall become due for payment on the expiry of one year from the appointed day or on the date of decision of the Tribunal, whichever is earlier.

 

(6) If between the appointed day and the date on which the compensation becomes due in pursuance of sub-section (5), any facts come to light which call for revision of the amount of the compensation, the necessary modification of the amount of the compensation shall be made and the amount of the compensation so determined shall be the compensation payable in pursuance of sub-section (1).

 

(7) There shall also be paid simple interest at the rate of three per cent. per annum on the amount of the compensation for the period from the appointed day to the date on which payment of the compensation becomes due.

 

Section 52K Constitution of the Tribunal

 

(1) The Central Government may, for the purposes of section 52H to Section 52J, constitute a Tribunal which shall consist of a Chairman and two other members.

 

(2) The Chairman shall be a person who is, or has been, a Judge of a High Court or of the Supreme Court and of the two other members, one shall be a person who, in the opinion of the Central Government, has had experience of matters connected with general insurance and the other shall be a person who is a chartered accountant within the meaning of the Chartered Accounts Act, 1949.

 

(3) If, for any reason, a vacancy occurs in the office of the Chairman or any other member of the Tribunal, the Central Government may fill i:he vacancy by appointing another person thereto in accordance with the provisions of sub-section (2) and any proceeding may be continued before the Tribunal so constituted from the stage at which the vacancy occurred.

 

(4) The Tribunal may, for the purpose of determining any compensation payable under section 52J, choose one or more persons having special knowledge or experience of any relevant matter to assist it in the determination of such compensation.

 

Section 52L Tribunal to have powers of Civil Court

 

(1) The Tribunal shall have the powers of a Civil Court, while trying a suit, under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, in respect of the following matters, namely :-

 

(a) summoning and enforcing the attendance of any person and examining him on oath:

(b) requiring the discovery and production of documents;

(c) receiving evidence on affidavits;

(d) issuing commissions for the examination of witnesses or documents.

 

(2) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (1) or in any other law for the time being in force, the Tribunal shall not compel the Central Government or the Controller-

 

(a) to produce any books of account, or other documents which the Central Government or the Controller claims to be of a confidential nature;

(b) to make any such books or documents a part of the record of the proceedings before the Tribunal;

(c) to give inspection of any such books or documents to any party before it and to any other person.

 

(3) Any proceeding before the Tribunal shall be deemed to be ajudicial proceeding within the meaning of S.193 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 , S.228 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 and the Tribunal shall be deemed to be a Civil Court for the purposes of section 195 and Chapter XXXV of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898.

 

Section 52M Procedure of the Tribunal

 

(1) The Tribunal shall have power to regulate its own procedure.

 

(2) The Tribunal may hold the whole or any part of its inquiry in camera.

 

(3) Any clerical or arithmetical error in any order of the Tribunal or any error arising therein from any accidental slip or omission may. at any time, be corrected by the Tribunal either of its own motion or on the application of any of the parties.

 

Section 52N Special provisions for the dissolution of acquired insurers

 

Where any acquired insurer, being a company, has in accordance with the provisions of this Act, collected and distributed any monies paid to him by the Central Government or the acquiring insurer, as the case may be, by way of compensation or otherwise, and has also complied with any directions given to him by the Central Government or the acquiring insurer, as the case may be, for the purpose of securing that the ownership of any property or any right is effectively transferred to the Central Government or the acquiring insurer, as the case may be, the Central Government may, on application being made to it in this behalf by such insurer, grant a certificate to the insurer that there is no reason for the continued existence of the insurer, and upon the publication of such certificate, the insurer shall be dissolved.] "Clause 22 empowers the Central Government to acquire the busienss of an insurer on payment of compensation, The circumstances in which the business may be acquired, the basis on which compensation shall be paid, and provisions for setting up a Tribunal to resolve any dispute in reward to the amount of compensation are also set out." -Gazette of India, 8-4-1968, Pt. II, Section 2, Extra, p. 387.

 

Section 53 Winding up by the Court

 

(1) The Court may order the winding up in accordance with the Indian Companies Act, 1913, of any insurance company and the provisions of that Act shall, subject to the provisions of this 447 Substituted for "Chapter" by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1941 (13 of 1941), Section 37 (8-4-1941).[Act], apply accordingly.

 

(2) In addition to the grounds on which such an order may be based, the Court may order the winding up of an insurance company-

 

(a) if with the sanction of the Court previously obtained a petition in this behalf is presented by shareholders not less in number than one-tenth of the whole body of shareholders and holding not less than one-tenth of the whole share capital or by not less than fifty policy-holders holding policies of life insurance that have been in force for not less than three years and are of the total value of not less than fifty thousand rupees; or

(b) if the 448 Substituted for "Superintendent of Insurance", by Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950 (47 of 1950), section 4 (1-6-1950).[Controller], who is hereby authorized to do so, applies in this behalf to the Court on any of the following grounds, namely:-

(i) that the company has failed to deposit or to keep deposited with the Reserve Bank of India the amounts required by section 7449 Inserted, by Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1939 (11 of 1939), Section 21.[or section 98].

(ii) that the company having tailed to comply with any requirement of this Act has continued such failure 450 Inserted, by Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1941 (13 of 1941), Section 37 (8-4-1941).[or having contravened any provision of this Act has continued such contravention] for a period of three months after notice of such failure 451 Inserted, by Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1941 (13 of 1941), Section 37 (8-4-1941).[or contravention] has been conveyed to the company by the 452 Substituted for "Superintendent of Insurance", by Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950 (47 of 1950), section 4 (1-6-1950).[Controller].

(iii) that it appears from 453 Inserted, by Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1939 (11 of 1939), Section 21.[any returns, statements] furnished under the provisions of this Act or from the results of any investigation made thereunder that the 454 Substituted for certain words by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1968 (62 of 1968), Section 23 (1-6-1969).[company is, or is deemed to be, insolvent.]

(iv) that the continuance of the company is prejudicial to the interests of the policy- holders 455 Inserted, by Insurance (Amendment) Act. [or to public interest generally.]

 

Section 53A Unpaid-up share capital

 

[ Notwithstanding anything contained in any other law, in ascertaining for any purpose of this Act the solvency or otherwise of an insurer, no account shall be taken of any assets of the insurer consisting of unpaid-up share capital.] "Unpaid-up share capital is not necessarily a realisable asset, and this clause provides that unpaid-up share capital shall not be taken into account in determining the solvency or otherwise of an Insurer or provident society."-S.O.R. Gazette of India, 1946, Pt. V, page 13.

 

Section 54 Voluntary winding up

 

Notwithstanding anything contained in the Indian Companies Act, 1913, an insurance company shall not be wound up voluntarily except for the purpose of effecting an amalgamation or a reconstruction of the company, or on the ground that by reason of its liabilities it cannot continue its business.

 

Section 55 Valuation of liabilities

 

(1) In the winding up of an insurance company or in the insolvency of any other insurer the value of the assets and the liabilities of the insurer shall be ascertained in such manner and upon such basis as the liquidator or receiver in insolvency thinks fit, subject, so far as applicable to the rule contained in the 457[a] Substituted for "Sixth Schedule" by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950 (47 of 1950), S. 43 (1-9-1950).[Seventh Schedule] and to any directions which may be given by the Court.

 

(2) For the purposes of any reduction by the Court of the amount of the contracts of any insurance company the value of the assets and liabilities of the company and all claims in respect of policies issued by it shall be ascertained in such manner and upon such basis as the Court thinks proper having regard to the rule aforesaid.

 

(3) The rule in the 458[a] Substituted for "Sixth Schedule" by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950 (47 of 1950), S. 43 (1-9-1950).[Seventh Schedule] shall be of the same force and may be repealed, altered or amended as if it were a rule made in pursuance of S.246 of the Indian Companies Act, 1913 and rules may be made under that section for the purpose of carrying into effect the provisions of this Act with respect to the winding up of insurance companies.

 

Section 56 Application of surplus assets of life insurance fund in liquidation or insolvency

 

(1) In the winding up of an insurance company and in the insolvency of any other insurer the value of the assets and the liabilities of the insurer in respect of life insurance business shall be ascertained separately from the value of any other assets or any other liabilities of the insurer and no such assets shall be applied to the discharge of any liabilities other than those in respect of life insurance business except in so far as those assets exceed the liabilities in respect of life insurance business.

 

(2) In the winding up of an insurance company carrying on the business of life insurance or in the insolvency of any other insurer carrying on such business where any proportion of the profits of the insurer was before the commencement of the winding up or insolvency allocated to policy-holders, if, when the assets and liabilities of the insurer have been ascertained, there is found to be a surplus of assets over liabilities (hereinafter referred to as a prima facie surplus) there shall be added to the liabilities of the insurer in respect of the life insurance business an amount equal to such proportion of the prima facie surplus as is equivalent to such proportion of the profits allocated to shareholders and policy-holders as was allocated to policy-holders during the ten years immediately preceding the commencement of the winding up and the assets of the insurer shall be deemed to exceed his liabilities only in so far as those assets exceed those liabilities after such addition: Provided that-

 

(i) if in any case there has been no such allocation or if it appears to the Court that by reason of special circumstances it would be inequitable that the amount to be added to the liabilities of the insurer in respect of the life insurance business should be an amount equal to such proportion as aforesaid, the amount to be so added shall be such amount as the Court may direct, and

(ii) for the purpose of the application of this sub-section to any case where before the commencement of the winding up or insolvency a proportion of such profits as aforesaid of a branch only of the life insurance business in question has been allocated to policy-holders, the value of the assets and liabilities of the insurer in respect of that branch shall be separately ascertained in like manner as the value of his assets and liabilities in respect of the life insurance business was ascertained, and the surplus so found, if any, of assets over liabilities shall, for the purpose of determining the amount to be added to the liabilities of the insurer in respect of the life insurance business be deemed to be the prima facie surplus.

 

Section 57 Winding up of secondary companies

 

(1) Where the insurance business or any part of the insurance business of an insurance company has been transferred to another insurance company under an arrangement in pursuance of which the first-mentioned company (in this section referred to as the secondary company) or the creditors thereof has or have claims against the company to which such transfer was made (in this section referred to as the principal company) then if the principal company is being wound up by or under the supervision of the Court, the Court shall (subject as hereinafter mentioned) order the secondary company to be wound up in conjunction with the principal company and may by the same or any subsequent order appoint the same person to be liquidator for the two companies and make provision for such other matters as may seem to the Court necessary with a view to companies being wound up as if they were one company.

 

(2) The commencement of the winding up- of the principal company shall, save as otherwise ordered by the Court, be the commencement of the winding up of the secondary company.

 

(3) In adjusting the rights and liabilities of the members of the several companies among themselves the Court shall have regard to the constitution of the companies and to the arrangements entered into between the companies in the same manner as the Court has regard to the rights and liabilities of different classes of contributors in the case of the winding up of a single company or as near thereto as circumstances admit.

 

(4) Where any company alleged to be secondary is not in process of being wound -up at the same time as the principal company to which it is alleged to be secondary, the Court shall not direct the secondary company to be wound up, unless, after hearing all objections (if any) that may be urged by or on behalf of the company against its being wound up, the Court is of opinion that the company is secondary to the principal company and that the winding up of the company in conjunction with the principal company is just and equitable.

 

(5) An application may be made in relation to the winding up of any secondary company in conjunction with the principal company by any creditor of, or person interested in, the principal or secondary company.

 

(6) Where a company stands in the relation of a principal company to one insurance company and in the relation of a secondary company to some other insurance company or where there are several insurance companies standing in the relation of secondary companies to one principal company, the Court may deal with any number of such companies together or in separate groups as it thinks most expedient upon the principles laid down in this section.

 

Section 58 Schemes for partial winding up of insurance companies

 

(1) If at any time it appears expedient that the affairs of an insurance company in respect of any class of business comprised in the undertaking of the company should be wound up but that any other class of business comprised in the undertaking should continue to be carried on by the company or be transferred to another insurer, a scheme for such purposes may be prepared and submitted for confirmation of the Court in accordance with the provisions of this Act.

 

(2) Any scheme prepared under this section shall provide for the allocation and distribution of the assets and liabilities of the company between any classes of business effected (including the allocation of any surplus assets which may arise on the proposed winding up), for any future rights of every class of policy-holders in respect of their policies and for the manner of winding up any of the affairs of the company which are proposed to be wound up and may contain provisions for altering the memorandum of the company with respect to its objects and such further provisions as may be expedient for giving effect to the scheme.

 

(3) The provisions of this Act relating to the valuation of liabilities of insurers in liquidation and insolvency and to the application of surplus assets of the life insurance fund in liquidation or insolvency shall apply to the winding up of any part of the affairs of a company in accordance with the scheme under this section in like manner as they apply in the winding up of an insurance company, and any scheme under this section may apply with the necessary modifications any of the provisions of the Indian Companies Act, 1913, relating to the winding up of companies.

 

(4) An order of the Court confirming a scheme under this section whereby the memorandum of a company is altered with respect to its object shall, as respect the alteration, have effect as if it were an order confirmed under S.12 of the Companies Act, 1913 and the provisions of section 15 and Section 16 of that Act shall apply accordingly. 459[a] Sub-section (5) omitted by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1968 (62 of 1968), S. 24 (1-6-1969).[ * * * * * *]

 

Section 59 Return of deposits

 

In the winding up of an insurance company 460[a] Inserted by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1946 (6 of 1946), S. 26 (20-3-1946).[otherwise than in a case to which section 58 applies)] and in the insolvency of any other insurer the liquidator or assignee, as the case may be, shall apply to the Court for an order for the return of the 461[b] Substituted for "deposit made by the company under 's. 7", by Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1939 (11 of 1939), S. 22.[deposit made by the company or the insurer, as the case may be, under section 7 or section 98] and the Court shall on such application order a return of the deposit subject to such terms and conditions as it shall direct.

 

Section 60 Notice of policy values

 

In the winding up of an insurance company for the purposes of a cash distribution of the assets and in the insolvency of any other insurer the liquidator or assignee, as the case may be, in the case of all persons appearing by the books of the company or other insurer to be entitled to or interested in the policies granted by the company or other insurer shall ascertain the value of the liability of the company or other insurer to each such person and shall give notice of such value to those persons in such manner as the Court may direct and any person to whom notice is so given shall be bound by the value so ascertained unless he gives notice of his intention to dispute such value in such manner and within such time as may be specified by a rule or order of the Court.

 

Section 61 Power of Court to reduce contracts of insurance

 

(1) Where an insurance company is in liquidation or any other insurer is insolvent, the Court may make an order reducing the amount of the insurance contracts of the company or other insurer upon such terms and subject to such conditions as the Court thinks just.

 

(2) Where a company carrying on the business of life insurance has been proved to be insolvent, the Court may, if it thinks fit in place of making a winding up order, reduce the amount of the insurance contracts of the company upon such terms and subject to such conditions as the Court thinks fit.

 

(3) Application for an order under this section may be made either by the liquidator or by or on behalf of the company or by a policy-holder, or by the 462[a] Substituted for "Superintendent of Insurance" by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950 (47 of 1950), S. 4 (1-6-1950).[Controller] and by any person whom the Court thinks likely to be affected shall be entitled to be heard on any such application.

 

Section 62 Power of Central Government to impose reciprocal disabilities on non-Indian companies

 

Where, by the law or practice of any country outside India in which an insurer carrying on insurance business in 463[a] Substituted for "the States' by the Jammu and Kashmir (Extension of Laws) Act, 1956(62 of 1956), S. 2 and Schedule (1-11-1956).[India] is constituted, incorporated or domiciled, insurance companies incorporated in 464[a] Substituted for "the States' by the Jammu and Kashmir (Extension of Laws) Act, 1956(62 of 1956), S. 2 and Schedule (1-11-1956).[India] are required as a condition of carrying on insurance business in that country to comply with any special requirement whether as to the keeping of deposits or assets in that country or otherwise which is not imposed upon insurers of that country under this Act, the Central Government shall, if satisfied of the existence of such special requirement, by notification in the Official Gazette, direct that the same requirement, or requirements as similar thereto as may be, shall be imposed upon insurers of that country as a condition of carrying on the business of insurance in 465[a] Substituted for "the States' by the Jammu and Kashmir (Extension of Laws) Act, 1956(62 of 1956), S. 2 and Schedule (1-11-1956).[India].

 

Section 63 Particulars to be filed by insurers established outside India

 

Every insurer, having his principal place of business or domicile outside 466[a] Substituted for "the States" by the Jammn and Kashmir (Extension of Laws) Act, 1956 (62 of 1956), S. 2 and Schedule (1-11-1956).[India], who establishes a place of business within 467[a] Substituted for "the States" by the Jammn and Kashmir (Extension of Laws) Act, 1956 (62 of 1956), S. 2 and Schedule (1-11-1956).[India], or appoints a representative in 468[a] Substituted for "the States" by the Jammn and Kashmir (Extension of Laws) Act, 1956 (62 of 1956), S. 2 and Schedule (1-11-1956).[India] with the object of obtaining insurance business, shall, within three months from the establishment of such place of business or the appointment of such 469[b] Substituted for "agent" by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1939 (11 of 1939), S. 23.[representative], file with the 470[c] Substituted for "Superintendent of Insurance", by Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950 (47 of 1950), S. 4 (1-6-1950).[Controller]-

(a) a certified copy of the character, statutes, deed of settlement or memorandum and articles or other instrument constituting or defining the constitution of the insurer, and, if the instrument is not written in the English language, a certified translation thereof,

 

(b) a list of the directors, if the insurer is a company,

 

(c) the name and address of some one or more persons resident in [India] authorized to accept on behalf of the insurer service of process and any notice required to be served on the insurer, together with a copy of the power of attorney granted to him,

 

(d) the full address of the principal office of the insurer in [India],

 

(e) a statement of the classes of insurance business to be carried on by the insurer, and

 

(f) a statement verified by an affidavit setting forth the special requirements, if any, of the nature specified in section 62 imposed in the country of origin of the insurer on Indian nationals, and, in the event of any alteration being made in the address of the principal office or in the classes of business to be carried on, or in any instrument here referred to, or in the name of any of the persons here referred to or in the matters specified in clause (f) above, the Company shall forthwith furnish to the 471[c] Substituted for "Superintendent of Insurance", by Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950 (47 of 1950), S. 4 (1-6-1950).[Controller] particulars of such alteration.

 

Section 64 Books to be kept by insurers established outside India

 

Every insurer having his principal place of business or domicile outside 472[a] Substituted for "the States" by the Jammu and Kashmir (Extension of Laws) Act, 1956 (62 of 1956), S. 2 and Schedule (1-11-1956).[India] shall keep at his principal office in 473[a] Substituted for "the States" by the Jammu and Kashmir (Extension of Laws) Act, 1956 (62 of 1956), S. 2 and Schedule (1-11-1956).[India] such books of account, registers and documents as will enable the accounts, statements and abstracts which he is required under this Act to furnish to the 474[b] Substituted for "Superintendent of Insurance" by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950 (47 of 1950), S. 4 (1-6-1950).[Controller] in respect of the insurance business transacted by him in India to be complied and if necessary, checked by the 475[b] Substituted for "Superintendent of Insurance" by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950 (47 of 1950), S. 4 (1-6-1950).[Controller] 476[c] Inserted, by Insurance (Amendment) Act, S. 44 (1-6-1950).[and shall furnish to the Controller on or before the last day of January in every calendar year a certificate from an auditor to the effect that the said books of account, register and documents are being kept as required at the principal office of the insurer in India.]

 

PART 2A INSURANCE ASSOCIATION OF INDIA, COUNCILS OF THE ASSOCIATION AND COMMITTEES THEREOF

 

[PART 477 Substituted for "the Stales" by the Jammu and Kashmir (Extension of Laws) Act, 1956 (62 of 1956), S. 2 and Schedule (1-11-1956).

 

Section 64A Incorporation of the Insurance Association of India

 

(1) All insurers carrying on insurance business in 478 Substituted for "the Stales" by the Jammu and Kashmir (Extension of Laws) Act, 1956 (62 of 1956), S. 2 and Schedule (1-11-1956).[India] at the commencement of the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950, all insurers who may after such commencement begin to carry on insurance business in 479 Substituted for "the Stales" by the Jammu and Kashmir (Extension of Laws) Act, 1956 (62 of 1956), S. 2 and Schedule (1-11-1956).[India], and, if the Central Government, by notification in the Official Gazette, so declares all provident societies carrying on insurance business in 480 Substituted for "the Stales" by the Jammu and Kashmir (Extension of Laws) Act, 1956 (62 of 1956), S. 2 and Schedule (1-11-1956).[India] on the date of such notification and all provident societies which may begin to carry on insurance business in 481 Substituted for "the Stales" by the Jammu and Kashmir (Extension of Laws) Act, 1956 (62 of 1956), S. 2 and Schedule (1-11-1956). [India] after such date are hereby constituted a body corporate by the name of the Insurance Association of India.

 

(2) All insurers and provident societies incorporated or domiciled in 482 Substituted for "the Stales" by the Jammu and Kashmir (Extension of Laws) Act, 1956 (62 of 1956), S. 2 and Schedule (1-11-1956).[India] shall be known as members of the Insurance Association of India, and all insurers and provident societies incorporated or domiciled elsewhere than in 483 Substituted for "the Stales" by the Jammu and Kashmir (Extension of Laws) Act, 1956 (62 of 1956), S. 2 and Schedule (1-11-1956).[India] shall be known as associate members of that Association.

 

(3) The Insurance Association of India shall have perpetual succession and a common seal and shall have power to acquire, hold and dispose of all property, both movable and immovable, and shall by the said name sue and be sued.

 

Section 64B Entry of names of members in the register

 

(1) The Controller shall take or cause to be taken through such agency as he thinks fit such steps as may be necessary to have the names of all insurers and provident societies, who or which are entitled to have their names entered in the register of members and associate members of the Insurance Association of India maintained for this purpose entered therein.

 

(2) Where any insurer or provident society has ceased to carry on business as such, the Controller shall cause such steps to be taken as may be necessary to have the name of such insurer or provident society, as the case may be, removed from the register.

 

Section 64C Councils of the Insurance Association of India

 

There shall be two Councils of the Insurance Association of India, namely:-

(a) the Life Insurance Council consisting of all the members and associate members of the Association who carry on life insurance business in 484[a] Part IIA containing Ss. 64-A to 64-T was inserted b the Insurance (Amendment) Act. 1950 (47 of 1950). S. 45 (1-9-1950).[India], and

 

(b) the General Insurance Council consisting of all the members and associate members of the Association who carry on general insurance business in 485[a] Part IIA containing Ss. 64-A to 64-T was inserted b the Insurance (Amendment) Act. 1950 (47 of 1950). S. 45 (1-9-1950).[India].

 

Section 64D Authority of members of Association to act through agents

 

It shall be lawful for any member of the Life Insurance Council or the General Insurance Council to authorize any individual, whether an officer of the insurer or not, to act as the representative of such member at any meeting of the Council concerned or to stand as a candidate for any election

 

Section 64E Authorities of the Life Insurance Council and the General Insurance Council

 

The authorities of the Life Insurance Council and the General Insurance Council shall be the Executive Committees, 486[a] Part IIA containing Ss. 64-A to 64-T was inserted b the Insurance (Amendment) Act. 1950 (47 of 1950). S. 45 (1-9-1950).[* * *] constituted in the manner provided in this Part.

 

Section 64F Executive Committees of the Life Insurance Council and the General Insurance Council

 

(1) The Executive Committee of the Life Insurance Council shall consist of the following persons, namely:-

 

(a) two officials nominated by the Central Government, one as the Chairman and the other as a member;

(b) eight representatives of members of the Insurance Association of India carrying on life insurance business elected in their individual capacity by the said members in such manner, from such groups of members and from such areas as may be specified by the Central Government;

(c) one non-official not connected with any insurance business, nominated by the Central Government; and

(d) five persons connected with life insurance business, nominated by the Central Government for the purpose of representing such groups of insurers carrying on life insurance business or such areas as have not been able to secure adequate representation on the Executive Committee of the Life Insurance Council or for any other purpose.

 

(2) The Executive Committee of the General Insurance Council shall consist of the following persons, namely:-

 

(a) two officials nominated by the Central Government, one as the Chairman and the other as a member;

(b) eight representatives of members of the Insurance Association of India carrying on general insurance business elected in their individual capacity by the said members in such manner, from such groups and from such areas as may be specified by the Central Government;

(c) one non-official not connected with any insurance business, nominated by the Central Government; and

(d) five persons connected with general insurance business, nominated by the Central Government for the purpose of representing such groups of insurers carrying on general insurance business or such areas as have not been able to secure adequate representation on the Executive Committee of the General Insurance Council or for any other purpose.

 

(3) If any body of persons specified in sub-sections (1) and (2) fails to elect any of the members of the Executive Committees of the Life Insurance Council or the General Insurance Council, the Central Government may nominate any person to fill the vacancy, and any person so nominated shall be deemed to be a member of the Executive Committee of the Life Insurance Council or the General Insurance Council, as the case may be, as if he had been duly elected thereto.

 

(4) No official nominated by the Central Government shall be entitled, whether as chairman or as a member, to vote in respect of any matter coming up before any meeting of the Executive Committee of the Life Insurance Council or the Executive Committee of the General Insurance Council, as the case may be, and subject thereto each of the said Executive Committees may, with the approval of the Central Government, make bye-laws for the transaction of any business at any meeting of the said Committee, and any such bye-law may provide that any member of the Committee who is interested in any matter for the time being before that Committee may not be present at or take part in any meeting thereof.

 

(5) The Life Insurance Council or the General Insurance Council may form such other committees consisting of such persons as it may think fit to discharge such functions as may be delegated thereto:

 

Provided that any action taken by any of the said Councils under this sub-section shall be with the previous consent of the Central Government and nothing in this sub-section shall derogate from any of the powers vested in the Executive Committees.

 

(6) The Secretary of the Executive Committee of the Life Insurance Council and of the Executive Committee of the General Insurance Council shall in each case be an official nominated by the Central Government.

 

Section 64G Resignation and filing up of casual vacancies

 

(1) Any member of the Executive Committee of the Life Insurance Council or of the General Insurance Council may resign his membership of the Committee by notice in writing addressed to the Chairman of the Committee to that effect.

 

(2) Casual vacancies in the Executive Committee of the Life Insurance Council or of the General Insurance Council, whether caused by resignation, death or otherwise, shall be filed by nomination by the Central Government, and any person so nominated to fill the vacancy shall hold office until the dissolution of the Committee so which he has been nominated.

 

(3) No act of the Executive Committee of the Life Insurance Council or of the General Insurance Council shall be called in question on the ground merely of the existence of any vacancy in, or defect in the constitution of, the Committee concerned.

 

Section 64H Duration and dissolution of Executive Committees

 

(1) The duration of the Executive Committee of the Life Insurance Council or the General Insurance Council shall be three years from the date of its first meeting on the expiry of which it shall stand dissolved and a new Executive Committee constituted.

 

(2) Notwithstanding the dissolution of the Executive Committee of the Life Insurance Council or the General Insurance Council, the outgoing members thereof shall continue to hold office and discharge such administrative and ether duties as may be prescribed until such time as a new Executive Committee of the Life Insurance Council or the General Insurance Council, as the case may be, shall have been constituted.

 

Section 64I Powers of Executive Committee of Life Insurance Council to hold examinations for insurance agents

 

The Life Insurance Council may, with the approval of the Central Government, authorize its Executive Committee to hold examinations for individuals wishing to qualify themselves as insurance agents for the purpose of procuring life insurance business, and, if the Central Government, by notification in the Official Gazette, so declares, then, notwithstanding anything contained in section 42, only individuals who have passed any such examination shall be eligible to apply for a licence under section 42:

Provided that nothing in this sub-section shall affect the right of any individual, who has been licenced to act as an insurance agent under section 42 before the date of such notification, to act as such, or to have his licence renewed from time to time.

 

Section 64J Functions of Executive Committee of Life Insurance Council

 

(1) The functions of the Executive Committee of the Life Insurance Council shall be-

 

(a) to aid, advise and assist insurers carrying on life insurance business in the matter of setting up standards of conduct and sound practice and in the matter of rendering efficient service to holders of life insurance policies;

(b) to render advice to the Controller in the matter of controlling the expenses of insurers in respect of their life insurance business in India;

(c) to bring to the notice of the Controller the case of any insurer acting in a manner prejudicial to the interests of holders of life insurance policies;

(d) to act in any matter incidental or ancillary to any of the matters specified in clauses (a) to (c) as, with the approval of the Central Government, may be notified by the Life Insurance Council in the Gazette of India.

 

(2) For the purpose of enabling it effectively to discharge its functions, the Executive Committee of the Life Insurance Council may collect such sums of money, whether by way of fees or otherwise, as may be prescribed from all members and associate members of the Insurance Association of India who carry on life insurance business.

 

Section 64K Executive Committee of Life Insurance Council may advise in controlling expenses

 

(1) It shall be the duty of the Executive Committee of the Life Insurance Council to meet at least once before the 31st day of March every year to advise the Controller in fixing under the proviso to Section 40B(2) the limits by which the actual expenses incurred by an insurer carrying on life insurance business in respect of such business in the preceding year may exceed the limits prescribed under that sub-section, and in fixing any such limits the Controller shall have due regard to the conditions obtaining in life insurance business generally during that year, and he may fix different limits for different groups of insurers.

 

(2) Where an insurer is guilty of contravening the provisions of section 40B with respect to the expenses of management, the Controller may, after giving the insurer an opportunity of being heard, administer a warning to the insurer.

 

(3) Where within a period of seven years two warnings have been given to an insurer under sub-section (2) and they have been disregarded by him the Controller may cause an investigation and valuation, as at such date as the Controller may specify, to be made at the expenses of the insurer by an actuary appointed by the insurer for this purpose and approved by the Controller, and the insurer shall place at the disposal of the said actuary all the materials required by him for the purpose of such investigation and valuation, within such period, not being less than three months, as the Controller may specify.

 

(4) The provisions of Section 13(1) , Section 15(4) and of Section 15(1) , Section 15(2), or, as the case may be, of Section 16(2)shall apply in relation to an investigation and violation under this section:

 

Provided that the abstract and statement prepared as the result of such investigation and valuation shall be furnished by such date as the Controller may specify.

 

(5) There shall be appended to every such abstract a statement signed by the actuary giving such information as may be prescribed.

 

(6) On receipt of the abstract and statement furnished in accordance with sub-section (4), the Controller may take such action as, may be prescribed.

 

Section 64L Functions of Executive Committee of General Insurance Council

 

(1) The functions of the Executive Committee of the General Insurance Council shall be-

 

(a) to aid and advise insurers, carrying on general insurance business, in the matter of setting up standards of conduct and sound practice and in the matter of rendering efficient service to holders of policies of general insurance:

(b) to render advice to the Controller in the matter of controlling the expenses of such insurers carrying on business in India in the matter of commission and other expenses,

(c) to bring to the notice of the Controller the case of any such insurer acting in a manner prejudicial to the interests of holders of general insurance policies;

(d) to act in any matter incidental or ancillary to any of the matters specified in clauses (a) to (c) as with the approval of the Central Government may be notified by the General Insurance Council in the Gazette of India.

 

(2) For the purpose of enabling it effectively to discharge its functions, the Executive Committee of the General Insurance Council may collect such fees as may be prescribed from all insurers carrying on general insurance business. 487[a] Part IIA containing Ss. 64-A to 64-T was inserted b the Insurance (Amendment) Act. 1950 (47 of 1950). S. 45 (1-9-1950).[Provided that if the General Insurance Council thinks fit, it may, by a resolution passed by it, waive the collection of the prescribed fees for any year and where any such resolution has been approved by the Central Government, the Executive Committee of the General Insurance Council shall not collect any fees in relation to that year].

 

Section 64M Executive Committee of General Insurance Council may advise in controlling expenses

 

(1) It shall be the duty of the Executive Committee of the General Insurance Council to meet at least once before the 31st day of March every year to advise the Controller in fixing under the proviso to Section 40C(1) the limits by which the actual expenses of management incurred by an insurer carrying on general insurance business in respect of such business in the preceding year may exceed the limits prescribed under that sub-section, and in fixing any such limits the Controller shall have due regard to the conditions obtaining in general insurance business in the preceding year, and he may fix different limits for different groups of insurers.

 

(2) Where an insurer is guilty of contravening the provisions of section 40C with respect to the expenses of management, the Controller may, after giving the insurer an opportunity of being heard, administer a warning to the insurer.

 

(3) Where in any case two warnings given to an insurer under sub-section (2) have been disregarded by him, the Controller may take such action against the insurer as may be prescribed.

 

Section 64N Power of the Executive Committee to act together in certain cases

 

The Central Government may prescribe the circumstance in which, the manner in which, and the conditions subject to which, the Executive Committee of the Life Insurance Council and the Executive Committee of the General Insurance Council may hold joint meetings for the purpose of dealing with any matter of common interest to both Committees, and it shall be lawful for the two Committees at any such joint meeting to delegate any matter under consideration for the determination of a sub-committee appointed for this purpose from amongst the members of the two Committees.

 

Section 64O Omitted

 

[Omitted by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1968 (62 of 1968), section 27 (1-6-1969).]

 

Section 64P Omitted

 

[Omitted by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1968 (62 of 1968), section 27 (1-6-1969).]

 

Section 64Q Omitted

 

[Omitted by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1968 (62 of 1968), section 27 (1-6-1969).]

 

Section 64R General powers of Life Insurance Council and General Insurance Council

 

(1) For the efficient performance of its duties, the Life Insurance Council or the General Insurance Council, as the case may be, may-

 

(a) appoint such officers and servants as may be necessary and fix the conditions of their service;

(b) determine the manner in which any prescribed fee may be collected:

(c) keep and maintain up-to-date a copy of the list of all insurers who are members or associate members of the Insurance Association of India;

(d) with the previous approval of the Central Government, make regulations for-

(i) the holding of elections other than the first elections;

(ii) the summoning and holding of meetings, the conduct of business thereat and the number of persons necessary to form a quorum;

(iii) the submission by insurers to the Executive Committee of the Life Insurance Council, or the General Insurance Council of such statements or information as may be required of them and the submission of copies thereof by the insurers to the Controller.

(iv) the levy and collection of any fees:

(v) the regulation of any other matter which may be necessary for the purpose of enabling it to carry out its duties under this Act.

 

(2) The Life Insurance Council or the General Insurance Council may authorise the Executive Committee concerned 488[a] Part IIA containing Ss. 64-A to 64-T was inserted b the Insurance (Amendment) Act. 1950 (47 of 1950). S. 45 (1-9-1950).[* * * *] to exercise any of the powers conferred on the Life Insurance Council or the General Insurance Council, as the case may be, under clause (a), clause (b) or clause (c) of sub-section (1).

 

Section 64S Power of Central Government to remove difficulties

 

The Central Government may exercise such powers as may be necessary for bringing the Life Insurance Council, the General Insurance Council or the Executive Committee of any of the said Councils, as the case may be, into effective existence for the purposes of this Part, and any such powers shall include-

(a) the power to hold. in such manner as may be directed by the Central Government, the first elections to the Executive Committees of the Life Insurance Council and the General Insurance Council;

 

(b) where a notification under Section 64(1) has been issued declaring provident societies to be members of the Insurance Association of India, the power to associate provident societies effectively in i he exercise of all powers and the discharge of all functions of the Life Insurance Council and the Executive Committee thereof:

 

(c) the power to make the provisions of section 40-B applicable to the provident societies specified in clause (b) in the same manner as they apply to insurers.

 

Section 64T Power to exempt

 

The Central Government may, subject to such conditions and restrictions as it may think fit to impose, exempt any insurer specified in sub-clause (c) of clause (9) of section 2 from the operation of all or any of the provisions of this Part.]

 

PART 2B TARIFF ADVISORY COMMITTEE AND CONTROL OF TARIFF RATES

 

Section 64U Establishment of Tariff Advisory Committee

 

(1) With effect from the commencement of the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1968. there shall be established a Committee, to be called the Tariff Advisory Committee (hereinafter in this Part referred to as the Advisory Committee) to control and regulate the rates, advantages, terms and conditions that may be offered by insurers in respect of general insurance business.

 

(2) The Advisory Committee shall be a body corporate having perpetual succession and a common seal, with power, subject to the provisions of this Act, to acquire, hold and dispose of property, both movable and immovable, and to contract, and may, by the said name, sue and be sued.

 

Section 64-UA Composition of the Advisory Committee

 

The Advisory Committee shall consist of the following members, namely :-

(a) the Controller of Insurance, ex officio, who shall be the Chairman;

 

(b) a senior officer of the office of the Controller nominated by the Controller, who shall be the Vice-Chairman:

 

(c) not more than ten representatives of Indian insurers, elected (in their individual capacities) by such insurers in such manner, from such areas and from among such insurers or groups of insurers as may be prescribed;

 

(d) not more than four representatives of insurers incorporated or domiciled elsewhere than in India but registered in India, elected (in their individual capacities) by such insurers in such manner, and from among such insurers or groups of insurers as may be prescribed.

 

(2) The Secretary to the Advisory Committee shall be an officer of the office of the controller, nominated by the Controller.

 

Section 64UB Power to make rules in respect of matters in this part

 

(1) The Central Government may make rules to carry out the purposes of this Part.

 

(2) In particular, and without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing power, such rules may provide for all or any of the following matters, namely:-

 

(a) the functions to be discharged by the Advisory Committee;

(b) the term of office of the members of the Advisory Committee, the procedure for their election and the manner of filling casual vacancies in the Advisory Committee;

(c) the travelling and other allowances payable to the members of the Advisory Committee;

(d) the procedure for holding the meetings of the Advisory Committee and for transaction of business thereat.

 

(3) The Advisory Committee may, with the previous approval of the Central Government, make regulations for all or any of the following matters, namely:-

 

(a) the constitution, powers and duties of Regional Committees and of subcommittees constituted by the Advisory Committee or any Regional Committee;

(b) the method of election of candidates for regional Committees and subcommittees. their eligibility, term of office and method of filling casual vacancies;

(c) the procedure for convening meetings and transaction of business by Regional Committees and sub-committees;

(d) the appointment of officers and other employees of the Advisory Committee and of Regional Committees or sub-committees constituted by or under the Advisory Committee or any Regional Committee aid the terms and conditions of their service including travelling and other allowances

(e) such other matters pertaining to procedure as are not inconsistent with the provisions of this Act or of rules made thereunder, and may, from time to time, with the previous approval of the Central Government, add to, amend or vary any such regulations.

 

(4) The regulations made by the Tariff Committee of the General Insurance Council under section 64-O as they were in force immediately before the commencement of the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1968, shall after such commencement, continue to be in force until rules are made by the Central Government under sub-section (1) and immediately after such rules have come into effect, the regulations aforesaid shall cease to be valid.

 

(5) The Controller of Insurance shall be in direct charge of the establishment of the Advisory Committee and the Secretary of the Advisory Committee shall work under his direction and control.

 

Section 64UC Power of the Advisory Committee to regulate rates, advantages, etc

 

The Advisory Committee may. from time to time and to the extent it deems expedient, control and regulate the rates, advantages, terms and conditions that may be offered by insurers in respect of any risk or of any class or category of risks, the rates, advantages, terms and conditions of which, in its opinion, it is proper to control and regulate, and any such rates, advantages, terms and conditions shall be binding on all insurers : Provided that the Controller may, with the previous approval of the Central Government, permit any insurer to offer, during such period (being not more than two years but which may be extended by periods of not more than two years at a time) and subject to such conditions as may be specified by him, rates, advantages, terms or conditions different from those fixed by the Advisory Committee in respect of any particular category of risks, if he is satisfied that such insurer generally issues policies only to a restricted class of the public or under a restricted category of risks.

(2) Infixing, amending or modifying any rates, advantages, terms or conditions, relating to any risk, the Advisory Committee shall try to ensure, as far as possible, that there is no unfair discrimination between risks of essentialy the same hazard, and also that consideration is given to past and prospective loss experience: Provided that the Advisory Committee may, at its discretion, make suitable allowances for the degree of credibility to be assigned to the past experience, including allowances for random fluctuations and may also, at its discretion, make suitable allowances for future fluctuations and unforeseen future contingencies, including hazards of conflagration or catastrophe or both.

 

(3) Every decision of the Advisory Committee shall be valid only after and to the extent it is ratified by the Controller, and every such decision shall take effect from the date on which it is so ratified by the Controller, or if the Controller so orders in any case, from such earlier date as he may specify in the order.

 

(4) The decisions of the Advisory Committee in pursuance of the provisions of this section shall be final.

 

(5) Where an insurer is guilty of breach of any rate, advantage, term or condition fixed by the Advisory Committee, he shall be deemed to have contravened the provisions of this Act : Provided that, instead of proceeding against the insurer for such contravention, the Controller may, if the insurer removes the contravention by recovering the deficiency in the premium, or where it is not practicable to do so, modifies suitably or cancels the contract of insurance, compound the offence on payment to the Advisory Committee of such fine, not exceeding rupees one thousand, as he may decide in consultation with the Advisory Committee.

 

Section 64UD Transitional provisions

 

(1) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Part, until the names of the members of the Advisory Committee elected for the first time after the commencement of the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1968, are notified, the Tariff Committee of the General Insurance Council appointed under regulations made under sub-section (2) of section 64-0 as it was in force immediately before the commencement of the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1968, and in existence on such commencement (hereafter in this Part referred to as the Tariff Committee) shall continue to function and shall be deemed to be the Advisory Committee duly elected under this Part and the Controller of Insurance shall become the Chairman of that Committee with effect from the commencement of the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1968, and function as such, and any Chairman of the Tariff Committee holding office immediately before such commencement shall cease to be the Chairman thereof from the date of such commencement but shall continue to be an ordinary member of the Advisory Committee.

 

(2) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Part, the constitutions of the Regional Councils established under section 64-P, as in force immediately before the commencement of the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1968 (hereafter referred to as the Regional Councils), and of the Sectional Committees, formed thereunder, existing immediately before such commence- ment, shall continue to be in full force and be of full effect until the regulations made by the Advisory Committee for the first time under section 64-UB come into effect and as soon as such regulations have come into effect such constitutions shall cease to have effect.

 

(3) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Part, until the Secretary to the Advisory Committee is nominated under sub-section (2) of section 64-UA, the Secretary to the Tariff Committee holding office immediately before the commencement of the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1968, shall function as the Secretary and shall be deemed to have been duly nominated under this Part.

 

(4) All rates, advantages, terms and conditions fixed by the Tariff Committee or the Regional Councils prior to the commencement of the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1968 and in force immediately before such commencement shall continue, except to such extent as they may be altered, replaced or abolished by the Advisory Committee, to be valid and fully in force as if they were rates, advantages, terms and conditions fixed by the Advisory Committee.

 

Section 64UE Power of the Advisory Committee to require information, etc

 

(1) The Advisory Committee may require, by notice in writing any insurer to supply to it such information or statements, periodical or ad hoc, as it may consider necessary to enable it to discharge its functions under this Part and every insurer shall comply with such requirements within such period as may be specified by the Advisory Committee in this behalf, failing which the insurer shall be deemed to have contravened the provisions of this Act.

 

(2) Any information supplied under this section shall be certified by a principal officer of the insurer or where the Advisory Committee has agreed in advance, by such other officer or officers of the insurer as the principal officer of the insurer may nominate for the purpose and if the notice so requires, also by an auditor.

 

(3) The Controller may, at any time, in writing, depute any subordinate of his to make a personal inspection of the books of account, ledgers, policy-registers and other books or documents of any insurer to verify the accuracy of any return or statement furnished by him under sub-section (1), or to verify that full particulars have been supplied by him in respect of all policies issued by him. and the insurer shall provide all facilities for such inspection, and make available to such person all the books of account, ledgers, policy-registers and other books or documents of the insurer which might be needed by him for such verification and the person deputed may himself extract from out of the books and records of the insurer such information as may be needed to fill up or complete the returns required to be submitted to the Advisory Committee under this section.

 

(4) The Advisory Committee may, at any time, on the application of an insurer, make arrangements for the inspection of an organisation which is concerned with the inspection of risks, adjustment of losses or fire-fighting appliances, and may, whenever necessary, advise insurers about the adequacy of the arrangements for the inspection of risks and adjustment of losses or the suitability of such appliances : Provided that no such inspection shall be made without the written permission of the concerned organisation.

 

Section 64UF Assets and liabilities of the General Insurance Council to vest in the Advisory Committee

 

(1) On the commencement of the insurance (Amendment) Act, 1968, all the assets and liabilities of the General Insurance Council appertaining to its Tariff Committee and to its Regional Councils and their Sectional Committees existing on that day shall be transferred to, and vest in, the Advisory Committee.

 

(2) The assets appertaining to the Tariff Committee, the Regional Councils, and their Sectional Committees shall be deemed to induce all rights and powers and all property, whether movable or immovable, including in particular, cash balances, reserve funds, investments, deposits and all other interests and rights in, or arising out of, such property as may be in the possession of the Tariff Committee, Regional Councils and their Sectional Committees and all books of account or document thereof; and liabilities shall be deemed to include all debts, liabilities and obligations of whatever kind existing and appertaining to the work of the Tariff Committee, the Regional Councils and their Sectional Committees.

 

(3) Where the General Insurance Council has established a provident or superannuation fund or any other fund for the benefit of the employees of its Tariff Committee or Regional Councils and constituted a trust in respect thereof (hereafter in this section referred to as an existing trust), the monies standing to the credit of any such fund at the commencement of the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1968, shall, subject to the provisions of sub-section (4), stand transferred to, and vest in, on such commencement, the Advisory Committee.

 

(4) Where any employee of the Tariff Committee, or the Regional Councils, of the General Insurance Council does not become an employee of the Advisory Committee, the monies and other assets appertaining to any fund referred to in sub-section (3) shall be apportioned between the trustees of the fund and the Advisory Committee in the prescribed manner and in case of any dispute regarding such apportionment, the decision of the Central Government thereon shall be final.

 

(5) The Advisory Committee shall, as soon as may be after the commencement of the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1968, constitute in respect of the monies and other assets which are transferred to, and vested in it under sub-section (3), one or more trusts having, as far as practicable, objects similar to the objects of the existing trust.

 

(6) Where all the monies and other assets belonging to an existing trust are transferred to, and vested in, the Advisory Committee under sub-section (3), the trustees of such trust shall, on the commencement of the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1968, be discharged from the trust except as respects things done or omitted to be done by them before such commencement.

 

Section 64UG Contracts, etc., to be effective by or against the Advisory Committee

 

(1) Unless otherwise expressly provided by or under this Act, all contracts, agreements and other instruments of whatever nature subsisting or having effect immediately before the commencement of the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1968, and to which the Tariff Committee, or any Regional Council is a party or which is in favour of that Committee or that Council, shall be of as full force and effect against or in favour of the Advisory Committee and may be enforced or acted upon as fully and effectively as if, instead of the Tariff Committee, or the Regional Council, the Advisory Committee had been a party thereto or as if they had been entered into or issued in favour of the Advisory Committee.

 

(2) If, at the commencement of the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1968, any suit, appeal or other legal proceeding of whatever nature is pending by or against the Tariff Committee, or any Regional Council then it shall not abate, be discontinued or in any way be prejudicially affected by reason of the transfer to the Advisory Committee of the assets and liabilities of the Tariff Committee, and Regional Councils or of anything done under this Act, but the suit, appeal or other proceeding may be continued, prosecuted or enforced by or against the Advisory Committee.

 

Section 64UH Employees, etc., to continue

 

(1) Every whole-time employee of the Tariff Committee, or the Regional Councils who was employed by that Committee or those Councils wholly or mainly in connection with its or their statutory duties immediately before the commencement of the Insurance (Amendment' Act, 1968, shall, on and from such commencement, become an employee of the Advisory Committee and shall hold his office in it by the same tenure, at the same remuneration, an:' upon the same terms and conditions and with the same rates and privileges as to pension, gratuity and other matters as he would have held on such commencement if this Part had not been enacted, and shall continue to do so until his employment under the Advisory Committee is terminated or until his remuneration, terms and conditions are duly altered by the Advisory Committee : Provided that nothing contained in this sub-section shall apply to any employee who has given notice to the Central Government in writing either prior to or within two months from the commencement of the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1968, intimating his intention of not becoming an employee of the Advisory Committee.

 

(2) Where the Central Government is satisfied that for the purpose of securing uniformity in the scales of pay, remuneration and other terms and conditions of service applicable to employees of the Tariff Committee, or the Regional Councils, it is necessary to do, or that a reduction in the remuneration payable or revision of the other terms and conditions of service applicable to employees or any class of them is called for, the Central Government may, notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (1), or in the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947, or in any other law for the time being in force or in any award, settlement, or agreement for the time being in force, alter (whether by way of reduction or otherwise) the remuneration and other terms and conditions of service to such extent and in such manner as it thinks fit; and if the alteration is not acceptable to any employee, the Advisory Committee may terminate his employment by giving him compensation equivalent to three months' remuneration, unless the contract of service with such employee provides for a shorter notice of termination.

 

(3) If any question arises as to whether any person was a whole-time employee of the Tariff Committee, or the Regional Council, on the commencement of the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1968, or as to whether any employee was employed wholly or mainly in connection with the statutory duties of the Tariff Committee, or any Regional Council, immediately before such commencement, the question shall be referred to the Central Government whose decision thereon shall be final.

 

(4) Notwithstanding anything contained in the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947, or in any other law for the time being in force, the transfer of the services of any employee of the Tariff Committee, or the Regional Councils, to the Advisory Committee shall not entitle any such employee to any compensation under that Act or other law, and no such claim shall be entertained by any Court, Tribunal or other authority.

 

Section 64UI Duty of person having custody or control of property to deliver such property to the Advisory Committee

 

(1) Where any property of the Tariff Committee, or the Regional Councils (appertaining to its or their statutory duties) has been transferred to, and vested in, the Advisory Committee, then,-

 

(a) every person in whose possession, custody or control any such property may be, shall deliver the property to the Advisory Committee forthwith;

(b) any person, who, on the commencement of the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1968, has, in his possession, custody or control any books, documents and other papers relating to the Tariff Committee, or the Regional Councils, shall be liable to account for the said books, documents and papers to the Advisory Committee and shall deliver them to the Advisory Committee or to such person as that Committee may direct.

 

(2) Without prejudice to the provisions contained in this section, it shall be lawful for the Advisory Committee to take all necessary steps for securing possession of all properties which have been transferred to, and vested in, it under this Act.

 

Section 64UJ Power of the Advisory Committee to constitute Regional Committees

 

(1) The Advisory Committee may constitute such Regional Committees as and when it deems fit for one or more of the prescribed regions.

 

(2) Each Regional Committee shall consist of not more than seven persons of which not more than five shall be elected by such groups of insurers carrying on general insurance business in the region as may be prescribed and not more than two shall be nominated by the Controller.

 

(3) For the purpose of enabling it effectively to discharge its duties, any Regional Committee may constitute such sub-committees as it may think fit, whether consisting of members of the Regional Committee or not.

 

(4) It shall be the duty of every Regional Committee to advise the Advisory Committee on any question connected with the fixation of rates, advantages, terms and conditions for risks in its region which may be referred to it by the Advisory Committee for advice, and in addition every Regional Committee shall perform such other functions as may be delegated to it by the Advisory Committee by regulations made by it with the previous approval of the Central Government.

 

(5) Where, in the exercise of any functions delegated to it under this section, any Regional Committee or any sub-committee thereof restrains an insurance agent from procuring-or-causing to be procured general insurance business in any area, such agent may prefer an appeal to the Central Government against such order with in thirty days from the date of service of that order on him, and the Central Government may, after giving such agent an opportunity of being heard, pass such orders thereon as it may think fit and the orders made by the Central Government on such appeal shall be final.

 

(6) Notwithstanding anything contained in this section every Regional Council and every Sectional or other Committee of such Regional Council, in existence immediately before the commencement of the Insurance (Amendment) Act. 1968. shall, until it is abolished by the Advisory Committee, be deemed to be a Regional. Committee or sub-committee, as the case may be, established in accordance with the provisions of this section and shall function as such and shall have all the powers and responsibilities which it had immediately before such commencement and if the term of any such Council or Committee expires before Regional Committees constituted under sub-section (1) and sub-committees constituted under sub-section (3) come into existence, such terms shall be deemed to have been validly extended up to the time when such Regional Committees and sub-committees are established.

 

Section 64UK Levy of fees by the Advisory Committee

 

(1) Every insurer shall annually before the prescribed date make payment to the Advisory Committee in the prescribed manner of such fees, not exceeding for any year, in the case of an insurer doing only re-insurance business in India, one per cent, of his total premiums in respect of facultative re-insurance accepted by him in India in the preceding year and, in the case of any other insurer, one per cent. of the total gross premium written direct by him in India in the preceding year, as maybe specified by the Advisory Committee for the purpose of this Part.

 

(2) The Advisory Committee may collect, in addition to the fees mentioned in sub-section (1), reasonable fees and charges from any person to cover the cost of any specific services rendered by it.

 

(3) If an insurer fails to make payment within the prescribed date of any fee required to be paid under sub-section (1), he shall be deemed to have failed to comply with the provisions of this Act.

 

(4) The Controller may, so tong as an application to the Court under sub-section (5D) of section 3 has not been made, revive the registration which might have been cancelled for failure to make payment of the fee required to be made under sub-section (1), if the insurer makes payment of such fee together with such penalty not exceeding the actual amount of fee payable as the Controller may require.

 

Section 64UL Power to remove difficulties

 

If any difficulty arises in giving effect to the provisions of this Part, the Central Government may, by order, make such provisions or give such directions not inconsistent with the provisions of this Act as may appear to it to be necessary or expedient for the removal of the difficulty : Provided that no such power shall be exercised after the expiry of a period of four years from the commencement of this Part.

 

Section 64UM Licensing of surveyors and loss assessors

 

(A) Save as otherwise provided in this section, no person shall act as a surveyor or loss assessor in respect of general insurance business after the expiry of a period of one year from the commencement of the Insurance. (Amendment) Act, 1968, unless he holds a valid licence issued to him by the Controller.

(B) Every person who intends to act as a sureyor or loss assessor after the expiry of a period of one year from the commencement of the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1968, shall make an application to the Controller within such time, in such form, in such manner and on payment of such fee, not exceeding rupees two hundred and fifty, as may be prescribed.

(C) Every licence issued under this section shall remain in force, unless cancelled earlier, for a period of five years from the date of issue thereof, and may be renewed for a period of five years at a time, on payment of such fee, not exceeding rupees two hundred, as may be prescribed.

(D) No licence to act as a surveyor or loss assessor shall be issued unless-

(i) the applicant, where he is an individual, satisfies the Controller that he-

(a) has been in practice as a surveyor or loss assessor on the 26th day of October, 1968, or

(b) holds a degree of a recognised University in any branch of engineering, or

(c) is a fellow or associate member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India or the Institute of Cost and Works Accountants of India, or

(d) possesses actuarial qualifications or holds a degree or diploma of any recognised University or institute in relation to insurance, or

(e) holds a diploma in insurance granted or recognised by the Government, or

(f) possesses such other technical qualification as may be prescribed, and

(g) does not suffer from any of the disqualifications mentioned in sub-section (4) of section 42;

 

(ii) the applicant, where he is a company or firm, satisfies the Controller that all his directors or partners, as the case may be possess one or more of the qualifications specified in clause (i) and none of such directors or partners suffer from any of the disqualifications mentioned in sub-section (4) of section 42.

 

(E) Every application for the renewal of the licence shall be made at least thirty days before the expiry of the period of validity thereof.

(F) The Controller may, if he is satisfied that any licence issued or renewed under this section has been lost or destroyed, issue a duplicate licence on payment of a fee of rupees five and the duplicate licence so issued shall remain in force for the remainder of the period of validity of the licence in lieu of which it is issued.

(G) Without prejudice to the powers conferred by sub-section (7), the Controller, if satisfied that the holder of any licence has made a statement which is false in material particulars with regard to his eligibility for obtaining such licence or has, after the issue or removal of such licence, acquired any of the disqualifications mentioned in sub-section (4) of section 42, may, after giving a reasonable opportunity to the holder of such licence of being heard, by order cancel such licence and notify such cancellation in the Official Gazette.

 

(2) No claim in respect of a loss which has occurred in India and requiring to be paid or settled in India equal to or exceeding twenty thousand rupees in value on any policy of insurance, arising or intimated to an insurer at any time after the expiry of a period of one year from the commencement of the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1968, shall, unless otherwise directed by the Controller, be admitted for payment or settled by the insurer unless he has obtained a report, on the loss that has occurred, from a person who holds a licence issued under this section to act as a surveyor or loss assessor (hereafter referred to as "approved surveyor or loss assessor"): Provided that nothing in this sub-section shall be deemed to take away or abridge the right of the insurer to pay or settle any claim at any amount different from the amount assessed by the approved surveyor or loss assessor.

 

(3) The Controller may, at any time, in respect of any claim of the nature referred to in sub-section (2), call for an independent report from any other approved surveyor or loss assessor specified by him and such surveyor or loss assessor shall furnish such report to the Controller within such time as may be specified by the Controller or if no time limit has been specified by him within a reasonable time and the cost of, or incidental to, such report shall be borne by the insurer.

 

(4) The Controller may, on receipt of a report referred to in sub-section (3), issue such directions as he may consider necessary with regard to the settlement of the claim including any direction to settle a claim at a figure less than, or more than, that at which it is proposed to settle it or it was settled and the insurer shall be bound to comply with such directions: Provided that where the Controller issues a direction for settling a claim at a figure tower than that at which it has already been settled, the insurer shall be deemed to comply with such direction if he satisfies the Controller that all reasonable steps, with due regard to the question whether the expenditure involved is not disproportionate to the amount required to be recovered have been taken with due dispatch by him : Provided further that no direction for the payment of a lesser sum shall be made where the amount of the claim has already been paid and the Controller is of opinion that the recovery of the amount paid in excess would cause undue hardship to the insured : Provided also that nothing in this section shall relieve the insurer from any liability, civil or criminal, to which he would have been subject but for the provisions of this sub-section.

 

(5) No insurer shall, after the expiry of a period of one year from the commencement of the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1968, pay to any person any fee or remuneration for surveying, verifying or reporting on a claim of loss under a policy of insurance, unless the person making such survey, verification or report is an approved surveyor or loss assessor.

 

(6) Where, in the case of a claim of less than twenty thousand rupees in value on any policy of insurance it is not practicable for an insurer to employ an approved surveyor or loss assessor without incurring expenses disproportionate to the amount of the claim, the insurer may employ any other person (not being a person disqualified for the time being employed as a surveyor or loss assessor) for surveying such loss and may pay such reasonable fee or remuneration to the person so employed as he may think fit.

 

(7) If the Controller is satisfied that an approved surveyor or loss assessor has been guilty of willfully making a false statement knowing it to be false or of being knowingly a party to the settlement of a claim in a fraudulent manner, he may, after giving such surveyor or loss assessor an opportunity of being heard, cancel the licence issued to him with effect from such date as may be specified by him and shall notify such cancellation in the Official Gazette.

 

(8) Any surveyor or loss assessor whose licence has been cancelled shall not be eligible for having a licence to act as a surveyor or loss assessor for a period of three years from the date on which the cancellation is notified in the Official Gazette.

 

(9) The Controller may in respect of any claim of value of less than twenty thousand rupees on an insurance policy, if the claim has not been or is not proposed to be reported upon by a surveyor or loss assessor, direct that such claim shall be reported upon by an approved surveyor or loss assessor and where the Controller makes such direction, the provisions of sub-sections (3) and (4) shall apply in respect of such claim.

 

(10) Where, in relation to any class of claims, the Central Government is satisfied that it is customary to entrust the work of survey or loss assessment to any person other than a licensed surveyor or loss assessor, or it is not practicable to make any survey or loss assessment, it may, by an order published in the Official Gazette, exempt such class of claims from the operation of this section.]

 

PART 2C SOLVENCY MARGIN, ADVANCE PAYMENT OF PREMIUM AND RESTRICTIONS ON THE OPENING OF A NEW PLACE OF BUSINESS

 

489 Part II C consisting of Sections 64V to 64VC inserted by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1968 (62 of 1968), Section 29 (1-6-1969).[PART

 

Section 64-V Assets and liabilities how to be valued

 

(1) For the purpose of ascertaining compliance with the provisions of section 64-VA.--

 

(i) assets shall be valued at values not exceeding their market or realisable value and the assets hereafter mentioned shall be excluded to the extent indicated, namely :-

(a) agents' balances and outstanding premiums in India, to the extent they are not realised within a period of thirty days;

(b) agents' balances and outstanding premiums outside India, to the extent they are not realisable;

(c) sundry debts, to the extent they are not realisable;

(d) advances of an unrealisable character;

(e) furniture, fixtures, dead stock and stationery;

(f) deferred expenses;

(g) profit and loss appropriation account balance and any fictitious assets other than pre-paid expenses;

 

(ii) a proper value shall be placed on every item of liability and liabilities in respect of share capital, general reserve and other reserves of similar nature not created to meet specific liabilities and investment reserve, reserve for bad and doubtful debts, and depreciation fund shall be excluded and liabilities hereafter mentioned shall be included to the extent indicated, namely:-

(a) provision for dividends declared or recommended, and outstanding dividends in full;

(b) reserves for unexpired risks in respect of-

(i) fire and miscellaneous business, 40 per cent.;

(ii) marine cargo business, 40 per cent.; and

(iii) marine hull business, 100 per cent. of the premium, net of re-insurances, during the preceding twelve months;

 

(c) estimated liability in respect of outstanding claims, in full;

(d) amount due to insurance companies carrying on insurance business, in full;

(e) amounts due to sundry creditors, in full;

(f) provision for taxation, in full.

 

(2) Every insurer shall furnish to the Controller with his returns under section 15 or section 16, as the case may be, a statement certified by an auditor, of his assets and liabilities assessed in the manner required by this section as on the 31st day of December of the preceding year.

 

Section 64VA Sufficiency of assets

 

(1) An insurer shall, at all times, maintain an excess of the value of his assets over the amount of his liabilities of not less than the amount arrived at as follows (hereafter in this section referred to as the "relevant amount"), namely:-

 

(i) in the case of an insurer whose total premium less re-insurances in respect of general insurance business (hereafter in this sub-section referred to as the "said income") in the preceding twelve months did not exceed five crores of rupees, one-fifth of the said income subject to a minimum of-

(a) five lakhs of rupees in the case of an insurer who is a co-operative society registered under the Co-operative Societies Act, 1912, or any other law for the time being in force in any State relating to co-operative societies, or

(b) ten lakhs of rupees in the case of any other insurer; and

 

(ii) in the case of an insurer whose said income in the preceding twelve months exceeded five crores of rupees, the aggregate of one-fifth of the first five crores of rupees of the said income and one-tenth of the amount by which the said income in the preceding twelve months exceeded five crores or rupees: Provided that where a number of insurers occupying the status of parent and subsidiary companies prepare, under the laws of the country of origin of the parent company, a consolidated balance-sheet, the provisions of this sub-section shall apply to such of them as are not members of any group as if they constituted a single insurer subject to the further condition that the relevant amount shall, in no case, be less than a sum equal to-

(i) the number of such insurers multiplied by ten lakhs of rupees, or

(ii) where all the insurers are co-operative societies registered under the Co-operative Societies Act, 1912, or any other law for the time being in force in any State relating to co-operative societies the number of such insurer multiplied by five lakhs of rupees : Provided further that if in respect of any insurer the Central Government is satisfied that either by reason of an unfavourable claim experience or because of a sharp increase in the volume of new business or for any other reason compliance with the provisions of this sub-section would cause undue hardship to the insurer, it may direct that for such period and subject to such conditions as it may specify, the provisions of this sub-section shall apply to that insurer with the modification that instead of the proportion of one-fifth wherever mentioned in this sub-section, such other proportion being not less than one-tenth as may be specified by that Government shall be applicable to that insurer: Provided also that in the case of an insurer carrying on insurance business at the commencement of the Insurance (Amendment) ACT. 1968, it shall be sufficient compliance with the provisions of this sub-section until the 31st December, 1972 or until such subsequent date, not being later than 31st December, 1976 as the Central Government may at its discretion allow for any particular insurer if he progressively brings up the excess of the value of his assets over the amount of his liabilities, in such manner as may be prescribed to the relevant amount.

 

(2) An insurer who does not comply with the provisions of sub-section (1) shall be deemed to be insolvent and may be wound up by the Court.

 

(3) The Controller shall be entitled at any time to take such steps as he may consider necessary for the inspection or verification of the assets and liabilities of any insurer or for securing the particulars necessary to establish that the requirements of this section have been complied with as on any date and the insurer shall comply with any requisition made in this behalf by the Controller, and if he fails to do so within two months, from the receipt of the requisition, he shall be deemed to have made default in complying with the requirements of this section.

 

(4) The provisions of this section shall not apply to an insurer specified in sub-clause (c) of clause (9) of section 2.

 

(5) In applying the provisions of sub-section (1) to any insurer, who is a member of a group, the relevant amount for that insurer shall be an amount equal to that proportion of the relevant amount which that group, if considered as a single insurer, would have been required to maintain as the proportion of his share of the risk on each policy issued by the group bears to the total risk on that policy: Provided that when a group of insurers ceases to be a group, every insurer in that group who continues to carry on any class of insurance business in India, shall comply with the requirements of sub-section (1) as if he had not been an insurer in a group at any time: Provided further that it shall be sufficient compliance with the provisions of the foregoing proviso if the insurer brings up the excess of the value of his assets over the amount of his liabilities to the required amount within a period of six months from the date of cessation of the group: Provided also that the Central Government may, on sufficient cause being shown, extend the said period of six months by such further periods as it may think fit, so, however, that the total period may not in any case exceed one year.

 

(6) The Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, reduce the sum often lakhs of rupees or five lakhs of rupees, as the case may be, referred to in sub-section (1) to a tower figure not less than one hundred thousand rupees in respect of a country craft insurer or in respect of an insurer not having a share capital and carrying on only such insurance business as, in the opinion of the Central Government, is not carried on ordinarily by insurers under separate policies.

 

Section 64VB No risk to be assumed unless premium is received in advance

 

1) No insurer hall assume any risk in India in respect of any insurance business on which premium is not ordinarily payable outside India unless and until the premium payable is received by him or is unarmed to be paid by such person in such manner and within such time as may be prescribed or unless and until deposit of such amount as may be prescribed, is made in advance in the prescribed manner.

(2) For the purposes of this section, in the case of risks for which premium can be ascertained in advance, the risk may be assumed not earlier than the date on which the premium has been paid in cash or by cheque to the insurer.

 

(3) Any refund of premium which may become due to an insured on account of the cancellation of a policy or alteration in its terms and conditions or otherwise shall be paid by the insurer directly to the insured by a crossed or order cheque or by postal money order and a proper receipt shall be obtained by the insurer from the insured, and such refund shall in no case be credited to the account of the agent.

 

(4) Where an insurance agent collects a premium on a policy of insurance on behalf of an insurer, he shall deposit with, or despatch by post to, the insurer, the premium so collected in full without deduction of his commission within twenty-four hours of the collection excluding bank and postal holidays.

 

(5) The Central Government may, by rules, relax the requirements of sub-section (1) in respect of particular categories of insurance policies.

 

490 In Section 64VB, sub-section (6) shall be inserted by Insurance (Amendment) Act, 2002 (42 of 2002), published in the Gazette of India, Extra., Part 11, Section 1(6) The Authority may, from time to time, specify, by the regulations made by it, the manner of receipt of premium by the insurer.

 

Section 64VC Restrictions on the opening of a new place of business

 

(1) No insurer shall, after the commencement of the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1968, open a new place of business in India or change otherwise than within the same city, town or village, the location of an existing place of business situated in India without obtaining the prior permission of the Controller.

 

(2) The Controller may grant permission under sub-section (1) subject to such conditions as he may think fit to impose either generally or with reference to any particular case.

 

(3) Where, in the opinion of the Controller, an insurer has, at any time failed to comply with any of the conditions imposed on him under this section, the Controller may, by order in writing and after affording reasonable opportunity to the insurer for showing cause against the action proposed to be taken against him. revoke any permission granted under this section,

 

PART 3 PROVIDENT SOCIETIES

 

Section 65 Definition of "provident society"

 

(1) In this Part "provident society" means, a person who or a body of persons (whether corporate or unincorporate) which, not being an insurer registered for the time being under Part II of this Act, carries on the business of insuring the payment, on the happening of any of the contingencies mentioned in sub-section (2), of-

 

(a) an annuity of or equivalent to 496[b] Substituted for "fifty", by Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1946 (6 of 1946), Section 28 (20-3-1946).[one hundred] rupees or less, payable for an uncertain period, or

(b) a gross sum of 497[c] Substituted for "nine hundred", by Insurance (Amendment) Act. 1950 (47 of 1950), Section 46 (1-6-1950).[one thousand] rupees or less, whether paid or payable in a lump sum or in two or more installments over a certain period. exclusively in both cases (a) and (b) of any profit or bonus not being a guaranteed profit or bonus.

 

(2) The contingencies referred to in sub-section (1) are the following, namely:-

 

(a) the birth, marriage or death of any person or the survival by a person of a stated or implied age or contingency;

(b) failure of issue;

(c) the occurrence of a social, religious or other ceremonial occasion;

(d) loss of or retirement from employment;

(e) disablement in consequence of sickness or accident;

(f) the necessity of providing for the education of a dependant;

(g) any other contingency which may be prescribed or which may be authorised by the State Government with the approval of the Central Government.

 

(3) For the purposes of sub-sections (1) and (2)-

 

(a) contracts entered into before the commencement of this Act shall not be taken into account;

(b) two or more policies issued to one person shall, for the purposes of determining whether the limits fixed by sub-section (1) have or have not been exceeded, be deemed to be one policy if the contingencies on the happening of which the sums are payable under the policies (whether the contingencies be the same or different) relate to one person only, whether he be the policy-holder or some other person.

 

(4) Every person or body of persons for the time being registered as a provident society under the Provident Insurance Societies Act, 1912. and every person or body of persons for the time being registered as a provident society under this Act shall be deemed to be a provident society for all the purposes of this Act.

 

(5) If any question arises whether any person or body of persons is or is not a provident society within the meaning of this section, the [Controller] shall decide the question and his decision shall be final.]

 

Section 65A Prohibition of transaction of insurance business by provident societies other than public companies or co-operative societies

 

[ No person shall, after the commencement of the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950, begin to carry on in 499[b] Substituted for "the States" by the Jammu and Kashmir (Extension of Laws) Act, 1956 (62 of 1956), Section 2 and Schedule (1-11-1956).[India] any business specified in sub-section (1) of section 65, and no provident society carrying on any such business in 500[b] Substituted for "the States" by the Jammu and Kashmir (Extension of Laws) Act, 1956 (62 of 1956), Section 2 and Schedule (1-11-1956).[India] shall, after the expiry of one year from such commencement, continue to carry on any such business, unless he or it is-

(a) a public company, or

 

(b) a society registered under the Co-operative Societies Act, 1912, or under any other law for the time being in force in any State relating to co-operative societies, or

 

(c) abody corporate incorporated under the law of any country outside 501[b] Substituted for "the States" by the Jammu and Kashmir (Extension of Laws) Act, 1956 (62 of 1956), Section 2 and Schedule (1-11-1956).[India] not being of the nature of a private company.]

 

Section 66 Restrictions on provident societies

 

[ No provident society shall undertake any form of insurance not falling within the limits fixed by sub-section (1) of section 65, nor shall any provident society be eligible to be registered under section 3.]

 

Section 67 Name

 

No provident society established after the commencement of this Act shall adopt as its name, and no provident society established before the commencement of this Act shall continue after expiry of six months from the commencement thereof to use as its name, any combination of words which fails to include the word "provident" or which includes the word "life".

 

Section 68 Insurable interest

 

[Repealed by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950 (47 of 1950), Section 48 (1-6-1950).]

 

Section 69 Dividing business

 

(1) No provident society shall carry on any business upon the dividing principle, that is to say, on the principle that the benefit secured by a policy is not fixed but depends either wholly or partly on 503[a] Substituted for "the results of a distribution, amongst policies maturing for payment within certain time-limits, of certain sums" by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1941 (13 of 1941), Section 38(8-4-1941). [the results of a distribution of certain sums amongst policies becoming claims within certain time-limbs, or on the principle that the premiums payable by a policy-holder depend wholly or partly on the number of policies becoming claims within certain time-limits].

 

(2) The 504[b] Substituted for "Superintendent of Insurance", by Insurance (Amendment) Act, .950 (47 of 1950), Section 4 (1-6-1950).[Controller] shall, as soon as possible, take steps to have any provident society which carries on business on the dividing principle wound up. Provided that, where any such provident society in existence at the commencement of this Act applies within three months of such commencement to the 505[b] Substituted for "Superintendent of Insurance", by Insurance (Amendment) Act, .950 (47 of 1950), Section 4 (1-6-1950).[Controller] for permission to continue carrying on its business with a view meanwhile to reorganise its business in accordance with the provisions of this Act, the 506[b] Substituted for "Superintendent of Insurance", by Insurance (Amendment) Act, .950 (47 of 1950), Section 4 (1-6-1950).[Controller] may at his discretion, with due regard to the past history of the society, permit the society to continue business for a period not exceeding two years from the date of receipt of such permission, so however, that no new business on the dividing principle is undertaken by the society.

 

507[c] Inserted by Act (13 of 1941), Section 38 (8-4-1941).[(3) Where after the commencement of the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1941, a provident society is to be wound up in pursuance of this section, or where, whether before or after the commencement of that Act. a provident society ceases to carry on business on the dividing principle, the provisions of sub-section (2) and sub-section (3) of section 52 shall, so far as may be, apply in like manner as they apply to an insurer ceasing to carry on business on the dividing principle.]

 

Section 70 Registration

 

(1) No provident society except a provident society registered under the provisions of the Provident Insurance Societies Act, 1912, shall receive any premium or contribution until it has obtained from the 508[a] Substituted for "Superintendent of Insurance" by the Insurance (Amendment) Act. 1950 (47 of 1950), Section 4 (1-6-1950).[Controller] a certificate of registration.

 

(2) Every application for registration shall be accompanied by-

 

(a) a certified copy of the rules of the society, and when the society is a company incorporated under the Companies Act, 1913509[a] Inserted by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1941 (13 of 1941), Section 39 (8-4-1941). [or under the Companies Act, 1882, or under the Companies Act, 1866, or under any Act repealed thereby,] a certified copy of the memorandum and articles of association or where the society is not such a company, a certified copy of the deed of constitution of the society;

(b) the names and addresses of the proprietors or directors, and the managers of the society, 510[a] Inserted by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1941 (13 of 1941), Section 39 (8-4-1941).[the full address of the registered office of the society, the full address of the principal office of the society in 511[b] Substituted for "the States" by the Jammu and Kashmir (Extension of Laws) Act, 1956 (62 of 1956), Section 2 and Schedule (1-1 1-1956).[India], the name of the manager at such office, and the name and address of some one or more persons resident in [India], authorized to accept any notice required to be served on the society];

(c) a certificate from the Reserve Bank of India that the initial deposit referred to in section 73 has been made; 512[c] The word "and" was omitted by Act 13 of 1941, Section 39 (8-4-1941).[* * *]

(d) a declaration verified by an affidavit [made by the principal officer of the society authorized in that behalf] that the minimum working capital, required by section 72, is available; 513[a] Inserted by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1941 (13 of 1941), Section 39 (8-4-1941).[and]

514[a] Inserted by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1941 (13 of 1941), Section 39 (8-4-1941).[(e) the 515[e] Substituted for "prescribed fee", by Insurance (Amendment) Act.[receipt showing payment in the prescribed manner of the prescribed fee] for registration being not more than two hundred rupees.]

 

(3) The [Controller] may refuse to issue a certificate of registration until he is satisfied that the rules of the society comply with the provisions of this Act and that the 516[b] Substituted for "minimum working capital required by section 72 is available", by Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1946 (6 of 1946), Section 29 (20-3-1946). [society complies with the provisions of sections [65A, 67], 71, 72, 73 and 73A], but if so satisfied he shall register the society and its rules.

 

(4) The 517Substituted for "Superintendent of Insurance" by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950 (47 of 1950), section 4 (1-6-1950). [Controller] may, after giving previous notice in writing in such manner as he thinks fit specifying the grounds for the proposed cancellation, and allowing the society concerned an opportunity of being heard, apply to the Court and obtain sanction for cancellation of the registration made under this section or made under the provisions of the Provident Insurance Societies Act, 1912,-

 

(a) if he is satisfied 518 Inserted, by Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1946 (6 of 1946), section 29 (20-3-1946). [from the returns furnished under the provisions of this Act or] as the result of an inquiry made under section 87-

(i) that the society is insolvent or is likely to become so, or

(ii) that the business of the society is conducted fraudulently or not in accordance with the rules thereof, or that it is in the interests of the policy-holders that the society should cease to carry on business, 519Inserted by Act 47 of 1950, section 49 (1-6-1950). [or] 520 Clause (b) was omitted, by Insurance (Amendment) Act. [* * * * *]

 

(c) if the society, having failed to comply with any requirement 521 Inserted, by Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1941 (13 of 1941), section 39 (8-4-1941). [or having contravened any provision] of this Act, has continued such failure 522 Inserted, by Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1941 (13 of 1941), section 39 (8-4-1941). [or contravention], for a period of one month after notice of such failure 523 Inserted, by Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1941 (13 of 1941), section 39 (8-4-1941). [or contravention] has been conveyed to the society by the 524Substituted for "Superintendent of Insurance" by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950 (47 of 1950), section 4 (1-6-1950). [Controller] :

 

525Substituted for "Superintendent of Insurance" by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950 (47 of 1950), section 4 (1-6-1950). [Controller may], if he thinks fit, instead of applying for cancellation of the registration under sub-clause (i) of clause (a) of this sub-section make a recommendation to the Court that the contracts of the society should be reduced in such manner and subject to such conditions as he may indicate : 526 Inserted, by Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1941 (13 of 1941), section 39 (8-4-1941). [Provided further that the 527Substituted for "Superintendent of Insurance" by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950 (47 of 1950), section 4 (1-6-1950). [Controller] may, without previous notice and without application to the Court for sanction,- (a) cancel the registration of a provident society which has failed to have its registration renewed, or 528Inserted by Act 47 of 1950, section 49 (1-6-1950). [(aa) cancel the registration of a provident society if any deposit required by section 73, has not been made, or]

(b) cancel, on such terms and conditions as he thinks fit, the registration of any provident society which applies to him for such cancellation if he is satisfied that the society has ceased to carry on insurance business and that all its liabilities in respect of insurance policies are either satisfied or otherwise provided for, 529 Inserted, by Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1946 (6 of 1946), section 29 (20-3-1946). [or

(c) cancel the registration of a provident society if he has reason to believe that any claim upon the society arising in India under any policy of insurance remains unpaid for three months after final judgment in regular course of law.]]

 

530[a] Inserted by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1941 (13 of 1941), section 39 (8-4-1941). [(5) When a registration is cancelled the provident society shall not, after the cancellation has taken effect, enter into any new contracts of insurance, but all rights and liabilities in respect of contracts of insurance entered into by it before such cancellation takes effect shall, subject to the provisions of section 88, continue as if the cancellation had not taken place].

 

(6) Where a registration is cancelled under clause (b) of sub-section (4) 531[a] Inserted by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1946 (6 of 1946), section 29 (20-3-1946). [or clause (c) of the second proviso to that sub-section], or because the society has failed to have its registration renewed, the 532[b] Substituted for "Superintendent of Insurance", by Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950 (47 of 1950), section 4 (1-6-1950). [Controller] may at his discretion revive the registration if the provident society, within six months from the date on which the cancellation took effect, makes the deposits required by section 73 533[a] Inserted by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1946 (6 of 1946), section 29 (20-3-1946). [or satisfies the 534[b] Substituted for "Superintendent of Insurance", by Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950 (47 of 1950), section 4 (1-6-1950). [Controller] that no claim upon it such as is referred to in the said clause (c) remains unpaid] or has had an application under sub-section (3) of section 70 A accepted, as the case may be, and complies with any directions which may be given to it by the 535[b] Substituted for "Superintendent of Insurance", by Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950 (47 of 1950), section 4 (1-6-1950). [Controller].

 

536[a] Inserted by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1946 (6 of 1946), section 39 (20-3-1946). [(7) The 537[b] Substituted for "Superintendent of Insurance", by Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950 (47 of 1950). section 4 (1-6-1950). [Controller] may, on payment of the prescribed fee which shall not exceed five rupees, issue a duplicate certificate of registration to replace a certificate lost, destroyed or mutilated, or in any other case where he is of opinion that the issue of a duplicate certificate is necessary].

 

Section 70A Renewal of registration

 

(1) Every provident society registered under this Act, or under the Provident Insurance Societies Act. 1912, shall have its registration renewed annually for each period of twelve months after that ending on the 30th day of June, 1942.

 

(2) An application for the renewal of a registration shall be made by the society to the 539[b] Substituted for "Superintendent of Insurance", by Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950 (47 of 1950), section 4 (1-6-1950). [Controller] before the 30th day of June preceding the period for which renewal is sought, and shall be accompanied as provided in sub-section (3) by evidence of payment of the prescribed fee which shall not exceed two hundred rupees but may vary according to the volume of insurance business done by the society.

 

(3) The prescribed fee for the renewal of a registration for any year shall be paid into the Reserve Bank of India, or, where there is no office of that Bank, into the Imperial Bank of India acting as the agent of that Bank, or into any Government treasury, and the receipt shall be sent atong with the application for renewal of the registration.

 

(4) If a provident society fails to apply for renewal of registration before the date specified in sub-section (2) the 540[b] Substituted for "Superintendent of Insurance", by Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950 (47 of 1950), section 4 (1-6-1950). [Controller] may, so tong as he has taken no action under section 88 to have the society wound up, accept an application for renewal of registration on receipt from the society of the fee payable with the application and such penalty, not exceeding the prescribed fee payable by the society, as he may require.

 

(5) The 541[b] Substituted for "Superintendent of Insurance", by Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950 (47 of 1950), section 4 (1-6-1950). [Controller] shall, on being satisfied that the society has fulfilled the requirements of this section, renew the registration and grant it a certificate of renewal of registration],

 

Section 70B Supplementary information and reports of alterations in particulars furnished with application for registration

 

(1) Every provident society registered under section 70 before the commencement of the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1941, shall, before the expiration of three months from the commencement of the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1941, furnish to the 543[b] Substituted for "Superintendent of Insurance", by Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950 (47 of 1950), section 4 (1-6-1950). [Controller] such particulars in addition to those already supplied for the purpose of obtaining registration as are required by sub-section (2) of section 70of this Act as amended by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 194!.

 

(2) Every provident society registered under the provisions of the Provident Insurance Societies Act, 1912, shall, before the expiration of three months from the commencement of the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1941, furnish to the 544[b] Substituted for "Superintendent of Insurance", by Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950 (47 of 1950), section 4 (1-6-1950). [Controller] so far as it has not already done so the documents and information required by clauses (a) and (b) of sub-section (2) of section 70 to accompany an application by a provident society for registration under that section.

 

(3) When any alteration occurs or is made which affects any of the matters which are required under the provisions of Section 79(2) to accompany an application by a provident society for registration under that section, or are to be furnished to the 545[b] Substituted for "Superintendent of Insurance", by Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950 (47 of 1950), section 4 (1-6-1950). [Controller] under this section, the provident society shall furnish forthwith to the 546[b] Substituted for "Superintendent of Insurance", by Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950 (47 of 1950), section 4 (1-6-1950). [Controller] full particulars duly authenticated of such alteration].

 

491[a] Substituted and deemed always to have been substituted for the former section by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1940 (20 of 1940). Section 10.

 

Section 71 Certain provisions of Part II to apply to provident societies

 

[. .- The provisions of 547[b] Substituted for "sections 20, 32, 46 and 53A" by Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950 (47 of 1950), section 50 (1-6-1950). [sub-sections (2) and (3) of section 10, section 20, sub-section (1) of section 27, sections 27A, 28, 29, 31 A, 31B, 32, 46 and 53A] shall apply to provident societies as they apply to insurers, and in such application references to shareholders of insurer shall be construed as references to members of a provident society 548[c] Inserted, by Insurance (Amendment) Act. [and references to section 7 or section 98 shall be construed as references to section 73]: Provided that a provident society may charge a fee not exceeding one rupee for supplying a copy of any document referred to in Section 20(2)].

 

Section 72 Working capital

 

No provident society 549[a] The words "established after the commencement of this Act" were omitted by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1941 (13 of 1941), section 41 (8-4-1941). [* * *] shall be registered unless it has a paid-up-capital sufficient to provide as working capital a net sum of not less than five thousand rupees exclusive of deposits made under this Act and exclusive in the case of a company of any expenses incurred in connection with the formation of the company.

 

Section 73 Deposits

 

492[a] Substituted and deemed always to have been substituted for the former section by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1940 (20 of 1940). Section 10.

 

(1) Every provident society shall, if established before the commencement of this Act within one year from such commencement, or, if establishment after the commencement of this Act before the society applies for registration under section 70,deposit and keep deposited with the Reserve Bank of India in one of the offices in India of the Bank, for and on behalf of the Central Government, cash or approved securities amounting at the market value of the securities on the date of deposit to five thousand rupees, and shall thereafter 550[a] Substituted for "make each year" by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1939 (11 of 1939), section 25. [make in each calendar year] a further deposit amounting to not less than one-fifth of the 551[b] Substituted for "gross premium income for the preceding calendar year", by Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1946 (6 of 1946), section 31 (20-3-1946). [premium income for the preceding calendar year as shown in the revenue account of the society] (including admission fees and other fees received by the society) until the total amount so deposited and kept is fifty thousand rupees.

 

(2) The provisions of sub-sections (8), (9), 552[c] Inserted, by Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1940 (20 of 1940), section 11 (10-4-1940). [(9A), (9B)] and (10) of section 7 and of sub-section (1) of section 8 553[c] Inserted, by Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1940 (20 of 1940), section 11 (10-4-1940). [and of section 9], shall apply to the deposits made under this section as they apply to deposits made by an insurer.

 

Section 73A Restriction on name of provident society

 

(1) A provident society shall not be registered by a name identical with that by which an insurer or another provident society in existence is already registered, or so nearly resembling that name as to be calculated to deceive, except when the provident society in existence is in the course of being dissolved and signifies its consent, or the insurer in existence signifies his consent, to the [Controller].

 

(2) If a provident society, through inadvertence or otherwise, is without such consent as aforesaid registered by a name identical with that by which an insurer or another provident society already in existence is registered, or so nearly resembling it as to be calculated to deceive the first-mentioned society shall, if called upon to do so by the [Controller] on the application of the insurer or the second-mentioned society, change its name within a time to be fixed by the 554[b] Substituted for "Superintendent of Insurance", by Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950 (47 of 1950), section 4 (1-6-1950). [Controller]:

 

Provided that nothing in this section shall apply to any provident society carrying on business before the commencement of the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1946.]

 

Section 74 Rules

 

(1) Every provident society 555[a] The words "established after the commencement of this Act" Were omitted by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1941 (13 of 1941), section 42 (8-4-1941). [* * *] shall in its rules set forth-

 

(a) the name, the object and the location of the registered office of the society;

(b) the contingencies or classes of contingency on the happening of which money is to be paid;

(c) the conditions to be complied with before, and the payments to be made on admission to the society;

(d) the rates of premium or contribution, and the periods for which or the times at which premiums or contributions are payable;

(e) the maximum amount payable to a subscriber or policy-holder;

(f) the nature and amounts of the benefits provided for by the society;

(g) the circumstances in which a bonus may be paid to a policy-holder;

(h) the nature of the evidence required for the proof of the happening of any contingency on which money is to be paid;

(i) the circumstances in which policies may be forfeited or renewed or the whole or a part of the premiums paid on a policy may be returned, or a surrender value of a policy may be granted;

(j) the penalties for delay in paying or failure to pay premiums or contributions;

(k) the proportion of the annual income of the society which may be disbursed on and the provisions to be made for meeting the expenses of the management of the society;

(1) the person or persons who or the authority which shall have power to invest the funds of the society;

(m) the provisions for appointment of auditors and their remuneration;

(n) the procedure to be adopted in altering the rules of the society;

(o) unless these are provided for in the articles of association of a society which is a company incorporated under the Companies Act, 1913556[b] Inserted by Act 13 of 1941, section 42 (8-4-1941). [or under the Companies Act, 1882, or under the Companies Act, 1866, or under any Act repealed thereby,]-

(i) the mode of appointment and removal, the qualification and the power of a director, manager, secretary or other officer of the society;

(ii) the manner of raising additional capital; and

(iii) the provisions for the holding of general meetings of the members and policy- holders and for the powers to be exercised and the procedure to be followed thereat, and

 

(p) such other matters as may be prescribed.

 

(2) Where the rules of any provident society registered under the Provident Insurance Societies Act, 1912, fail to comply with the provisions of this section, the society shall, before the expiry of twelve months from the commencement of this Act, amend the rules so as to comply with these provisions.

 

Section 75 Amendment of rules

 

(1) No amendment of any rule of a provident society shall be valid until it has been sent to the 557[a] Substituted for "Superintendent of Insurance" by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950 (47 of 1950), section 4 (1-6-1950). [Controller] and has been registered by him.

 

(2) The 558[a] Substituted for "Superintendent of Insurance" by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950 (47 of 1950), section 4 (1-6-1950). [Controller] on being satisfied that the proposed amendment is not contrary to the provisions of this Act shall, unless he is of opinion that the amendment unfairly affects the rights of existing members or policy-holders of the society, issue to the society an acknowledgment of the registration of the amended rule.

 

Section 76 Supply of copy of rules

 

Every provident society shall on demand deliver free of cost to any member of the society a copy of the rules of the society and to any person other than a member a copy of such rules on the payment of a sum not exceeding one rupee.

 

Section 77 Registered office

 

Every provident society [shall have in 559 Substituted for "the States" by the Jammu and Kashmir (Extension of Laws) Act, 1956 (62 of 1956), section 2 and Schedule (1-11-1956). [India] a principal office] (on the outside of which it shall keep displayed its name in a conspicuous position in legible characters) to which all communications and notices may be addressed, and shall give notice to the 560 Substituted for "Superintendent of Insurance" by the Insurance (Amendment) Act. 1950 (47 of 1950), Section 4 (1-6-1950). [Controller] of any change in the tocation thereof within twenty-eight days of its occurrence.

 

Section 78 Publication of authorised capital to contain also subscribed and paid-up capital

 

Where any notice, advertisement or other official publication of a provident society contains a statement of the amount of the authorized capital of the society, the publication shall also contain a statement of the amount of the capital which has been subscribed and the amount paid up.

 

Section 79 Registers and books

 

Every provident society [shall keep at its principal office in 561 Substituted for "the States" by the Jammu and Kashmir (Extension of Laws) Act, 1956 (62 of 1956), section 2 and Schedule (1-11-1956). [India]]-

562 Substituted for the original clauses (a) to (d) by Act 13 of 1941, section 44 (8-4-1941). [(a) such registers in such form as may be prescribed;

 

563 Original clauses (e), (f) and (g) were re-lettered respectively as clauses (b), (c) and (d), by Insurance (Amendment) Act. [(b)] a cash-book in which shall be entered separately for each class of contingency separately specified in section 65 all sums received and expended by the society and the matters in respect of which the receipt or expenditure takes place;

 

564 Original clauses (e), (f) and (g) were re-lettered respectively as clauses (b), (c) and (d), by Insurance (Amendment) Act. [(c)] a ledger;

 

565 Original clauses (e), (f) and (g) were re-lettered respectively as clauses (b), (c) and (d), by Insurance (Amendment) Act. [(d)] a journal.

 

Section 80 Revenue account, balance-sheet and annual statements

 

(1) Every provident society shall at the expiry of the calendar year prepare a revenue account and balance-sheet in the prescribed form verified in the prescribed manner, together with a report on the general state of the society's affairs and shall cause the revenue account and balance-sheet to be audited by an auditor, and the auditor shall, so far as may be, in the audit of a provident society, have the powers of, exercise the functions vested in, and discharge the duties and be subject to the liabilities imposed on, an auditor of companies by S.145 of the Indian Companies Act, 1913.

 

(2) Every provident society shall, at the expiry of the calendar year, prepare with respect to that year-

 

(a) a statement showing separately for each class of contingency separately specified in section 65-

(i) the number of new policies effected, the total amount insured thereby and the total premium income received in respect thereof and the number of existing policies discontinued during the year with the total amount insured thereby, and

(ii) the total amount of claims made and the total amount paid in satisfaction thereof.

 

(b) a statement showing details of every insurance effected on a life other than the life of the person insuring; and

(c) a statement showing the total amount paid as allowances to agents and canvassers.

 

(3) Until the expiry of two years from the commencement of this Act this section 566[a] Inserted by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1939 (11i of 1939), section 26. [and section 73] shall apply to provident societies registered before the commencement of this Act under the Provident Insurance Societies Act, 1912, as if the reference to the calendar year were a reference to either the financial year or the calendar year.

 

Section 81 Actuarial report and abstract

(1) Every provident society shall once in every five years or at such shorter intervals as may be laid down by the rules of the society cause an investigation to be made 567[a] Inserted by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1946 (6 of 1946), section 33 (20-3-1946). [as at the last day of a calendar year] into its financial condition including the valuation of its liabilities and assets by an actuary.

 

(2) The report of the actuary shall contain an abstract in which shall be stated-

 

(a) the general principles adopted in the valuation, including the method by which the valuation age of lives was ascertained,

(b) the rate at each age of the mortality and any other factor assumed and the annuity values used in valuation,

(c) the reserve values held against policies effected,

(d) the rate of interest assumed, and

(e) the provision made for expenses, and shall have appended to it a certificate signed by a principal officer of the society that all material necessary for proper valuation has been placed at. the disposal of the actuary and that full and accurate particulars of every policy under which there is a liability either actual or contingent have been furnished to the actuary for the purpose of the investigation.

 

(3) If the actuary finds that the financial condition of the society is such that no surplus exists for distribution as bonus to the policy-holders or as dividend to the shareholders, he shall state in his report whether in his opinion the society is insolvent and, if so, whether it should be wound up or not, and the extent to which in his opinion existing contracts should be modified or existing rates of premium should be adjusted to make good the deficiency in the assets.

 

Section 82 Submission of returns to Controller

 

(1) The revenue account and balance-sheet with the auditor's report thereon and the report on the general state of the society's affairs referred to in Section 80(1)568[a] Substituted for "and the statements referred to" by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1941 (13 of 1941), section 45 (8-4-1941). [shall be printed and four copies of these and of the statements referred to] in Section 80(2), shall be furnished as returns to the 569[b] Substituted for "Superintendent of Insurance", by Insurance (Amendment) Act, 950 (47 of 1950). section 4 (1-6-1950] [Controller] [within six months] from the end of the period to which they relate 570[d] Certain words were omitted, by Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1946 (6 of 1946), section 34 (20-3-1946). [* * * ].

 

(2) All the material necessary for the proper valuation of the liabilities of the society under the provisions of section 81 shall be placed at the disposal of the actuary within three months from the end of the period to which such material relates, and the report and abstract referred to in section 81 shall be furnished as a return to the 571[a] Substituted for "Superintendent of Insurance" by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950 (47 of 1950), section 4 (1-6-1950). [Controller] within a further period of three months :

 

572[b] Inserted, by Insurance (Amendment) Act, section 51 (1-9-1950). [Provided that the Central Government may in any case extend the time allowed by this sub-section for the furnishing of such return by a period not exceeding three months.]

(3) 573[a] Inserted by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1941 (13 of 1941), section 45 (8-4-1941). [The provisions of sub-Section 15(2) relating to the copies therein referred to shall apply to the returns referred to in 574[b] Substituted for "sub-section (1) of this sub-section" by Repealing and Amending Act, 1942 (25 of 1942), section 3 and Schedule II. [sub-section (1) of this section,] and] the provisions of section 17 shall apply to the accounts and balance-sheet of a provident society being a company incorporated under the Companies Act, 1913575[c] Inserted by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1939 (11 of 1939), section 27. [or under the Companies Act, 1882, or under the Companies Act, 1866, or under any Act repealed thereby,] as they apply to the accounts and balance-sheet of an insurer, 576[a] Inserted by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1941 (13 of 1941), section 45 (8-4-1941). [and the 577[d] Substituted for "Superintendent of Insurance", by Insurance (Amendment) Act, 950 (47 of 1950), section 4 (1-6-1950). [Controller may exercise, in respect of returns made by a provident society and in respect of an investigation or valuation to which section 81 refers, the same powers as are exercisable by him under section 21 and section 22, respectively, in the case of an insurer].

 

Section 83 Actuarial examination of schemes

 

(1} Every provident society, 578[a] Substituted for established'' by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1941 (13 of 1941), Section 46 (8-4-1941). [registered] after the commencement of this Act, shall cause every scheme of insurance which it proposes to put into operation, and every provident society registered before the commencement of this Act under the provisions of the ProvidentProvident Insurance Societies Act, 1912, [shall cause any scheme which it proposes to put into operation for the first time], after such commencement to be examined by an actuary, and shall not receive any premium or contribution in connection, with the scheme until the actuary has certified [that the rates, advantages, terms and conditions of the scheme are workable and sound], and such certificate has been forwarded to the 579[d] Substituted for "Superintendent of Insurance", by Insurance (Amendment) Act. 950 (47 of 1950), Section 4 (1-6-1950). [Controller].

 

(2) The provisions of sub-section (1) shall apply to any alteration of a scheme already in operation, but the 580[a] Substituted for "Superintendent of Insurance" by Act 47 of 1950, Section 4 (1-6-1950). [Controller] may, if he is of opinion that the alteration unfairly affects the interests of existing policy-holders, prohibit the alteration, and, if he does so, the society shall not put the altered scheme into operation, unless it first discharges to the satisfaction of the 581[a] Substituted for "Superintendent of Insurance" by Act 47 of 1950, Section 4 (1-6-1950). [Controller] all its liabilities to those of the existing policy-holders who dissent from the alteration.

 

(3) Every provident society registered before the commencement of this Act under the provisions of the Provident Insurance Societies Act. 1912 shall, as soon as may be and in any event before the expiry of six months from the commencement of this Act, submit all schemes of insurance which the society has in operation at the commencement of this Act to examination by an actuary 582[a] Substituted for "and shall send the report of the actuary" by Acl 13 of 1941, Section 46 (8-4-1941). [and shall, before the expiration of six months from the commencement of the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1941. send the report of the actuary] thereon to the 583[b] Substituted for "Superintendent of Insurance" by Act 47 of 1950. Section 4 (1-6-1950). [Controller].

 

(4) The report of the actuary shall state in respect of each scheme whether 584[a] Substituted for "it is actuarially sound" by Act 13 of 1941, Section 46 (8-4-1941). [the rates, advantages, terms and conditions are workable and sound], and, where no actuarial report such as is referred to in section 81 has been made within the two years preceding the examination, the report shall also state whether the assets of the society are sufficient to meet its liabilities under the existing schemes, and, if not, how in the opinion of the actuary the existing contracts should be modified.

 

585[a] Substituted for the original sub-section by Act 13 of 1941, Section 46 (8-4-1941). [(5) If the rates, advantages, terms and conditions of any scheme are not reported by the actuary to be workable and sound, the 586[b] Substituted for "Superintendent of Insurance" by Act 47 of 1950, Section 4 (1-6-1950). [Controller] shall give notice to the society prohibiting the scheme, and the society shall not after its receipt of such notice enter into any new contract of insurance under the scheme, but all rights and liabilities in respect of contracts of insurance entered into by the society before receipt of notice shall, subject to the provisions of sub-section (6), continue as if the notice had not been given.]

 

(6) Where a scheme is 587[a] Substituted for "discontinued" by Act 13 of 1941. Section 46 (8-4-1941). [prohibited] under the provisions of sub-section (5) the society shall, where its assets are sufficient to meet all existing liabilities, set apart out of its assets the sum sufficient in the opinion of the actuary to meet the liabilities incurred under the scheme so 588[a] Substituted for "discontinued" by Act 13 of 1941. Section 46 (8-4-1941). [prohibited], and, where its assets are not so sufficient within three months from the date of the 589[b] Substituted for "discontinuance", by Insurance (Amendment) Act. [prohibition], apply to the Court for a modification of its existing contracts or failing such modification for the winding up of the society.

 

Section 84 Separation of accounts and funds

 

Where a provident society effects policies of insurance in connection with more than one of the classes of contingency separately specified in 590[a] Inserted by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1940 (20 of 1940), Section 12 (10-4-1940). [Section 65(2), the receipts and payments in respect of each such class shall be recorded in a separate account in the cash-book kept in accordance with section 79.

 

Section 85 Investment of funds

 

591[a] Sub-section (1) was omitted by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950 (47 of 1950), Section 52(1-6-1950). [(1) * * * * * * * * * * * * *]

 

(2) No funds or investments of a provident society except a deposit made under section 73592[b] Inserted, by Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1946 (6 of 1946), Section 35 (20-3-1946). [or under the law of any State or country relating to insurance] shall be kept otherwise than in the name of the society 593[c] Inserted, by Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1939 (11 of 1939), Section 28. [or in the name of a public officer approved by the Central Government].

 

(3) No loan shall be made out of the assets of a provident society to 594[d] Substituted for "any director or officer of the society", by Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1940 (20 of 1940), Section 13 (10-4-1940). [any director, manager, managing agent, auditor, actuary, officer or partner of the society], except on the security of a policy of insurance held in the society and within its surrender value and no such loans shall be made to any concern of which 595[e] Substituted for "a director or officer of the society is a director or partner", by Insurance (Amendment) Act. [a director, manager, managing agent, actuary, officer or partner of the society is a director, manager, managing agent, actuary, officer or partner]:

 

596[f] Inserted by Act (6 of 1946), Section 35 (20-3-1946). [Provided that nothing in this sub-section shall apply to loans made by a provident society to a banking company: Provided further that where any event occurs giving rise to circumstances the existence of which at the time of the grant of any subsisting loan would have made such grant a contravention of this sub-section, such loan shall, notwithstanding any contract to the contrary, be repaid within three months from the occurrence of such event or from the commencement of the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1946, whichever is later; and in case of default the director, manager, auditor, actuary or partner concerned shall, without prejudice to any other penalty which he may incur, cease to hold office in the society on the expiry of the said three months.]

597[g] Inserted by Act (20 of 1940), Section 13 (10-4-1940). [(3A) Any loan prohibited under sub-section (3), made before and outstanding at the commencement of the Insurance (Amendment) Act, shall be repaid before the 1st day of January, 1941, and in case of default the director, manager, managing agent, auditor, actuary, officer or partner who has received the loan or is connected with the concern which has received the loan as the case may be, shall cease to hold office in or be a partner of the society and shall be ineligible to hold office in or be a partner of the society until the loan is repaid.]

 

(4) Any director, 598[h] Substituted for "or officer", by Insurance (Amendment) Act. [manager, managing agent, auditor, actuary, officer or partner], of a society which contravenes the provisions of sub-section (3), who is knowingly a party to the contravention, shall, without prejudice to any other penalty which he may incur, be jointly and severally liable to the society for the amount of the loan, and such amount, together with interest from the date of the loan at such rate not. exceeding twelve per cent. per annum as the 599[i] Substituted for "Superintendent of Insurance" by Act (47 of 1950), Section 4 (1-6-1950). [Controller] may fix, shall on application by the 600[i] Substituted for "Superintendent of Insurance" by Act (47 of 1950), Section 4 (1-6-1950). [Controller] to any Civil Court of competent jurisdiction be recoverable by execution as if a decree for such amount had been passed by that Court.

 

601[j] Inserted by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1941 (13 of 1941), Section 47. [(5) The provisions of section 86D of the Companies Act, 1913, shall not apply to a loan granted to a director of a provident society being a company if the loan is one granted on the security of a policy on which the society bears the risk and the policy was issued to the director on his own life and the loan is within the surrender value of the policy.]

 

Section 86 Inspection of books

 

The books of every provident society shall at all reasonable times be open to inspection by the 602[a] Substituted for "Superintendent of Insurance" by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950 (47 of 1950), Section 4 (1-6-1950). [Controller] or any person appointed by him in this behalf or by any member or policy-holder of the society who 603[b] Substituted for "has made an application in this behalf to the Superintendent of Insurance", by Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1946 (6 of 1946), Section 36 (20-3-1946). [has, on application in this behalf, been permitted by the 604[a] Substituted for "Superintendent of Insurance" by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950 (47 of 1950), Section 4 (1-6-1950). [Controller], subject to such conditions, if any, as he may impose, to make such inspection].

 

Section 87 Inquiry by or on behalf of Controller

493[a] Substituted and deemed always to have been substituted for the former section by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1940 (20 of 1940). Section 10.

 

(1) The 605[a] Substituted for "Superintendent of Insurance" by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950 (47 of 1950), Section 4 (1-6-1950). [Controller] shall at least once in two years and may, if he thinks fit, at any time visit personally or depute a suitable person to visit the principal office of a provident society 606[b] Inserted, by Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1941 (13 of 1941), Section 48 (8-4-1941). [or the principal office in 607[c] Substituted for "the States" by the Jammu and Kashmir (Extension of Laws) Act, 1956 (62 of 1956), Section 2 and Schedule (1-11-1956). [India] of a society having its principal place of business or domicile outside 608[c] Substituted for "the States" by the Jammu and Kashmir (Extension of Laws) Act, 1956 (62 of 1956), Section 2 and Schedule (1-11-1956). [India]] and inquire into the 609[d] Substituted for "solvency of the society and the manner in which the business of the society is conducted" by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1946 (6 of 1946). Section 37 (20-3-1946). [affairs of the society], or may, after giving notice to the society and giving it an opportunity to be heard, direct such an inquiry to be made by an auditor or actuary appointed by him 610[b] Inserted, by Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1941 (13 of 1941), Section 48 (8-4-1941). [or by both an auditor and an actuary appointed simultaneously, or first by an auditor only or an actuary only and afterwards by an actuary or auditor.]

 

(2) For the purposes of any such inquiry the 611[e] Substituted for "Superintendent" by Act 47 of 1950, Section 4 (1-6-1950). [Controller] or the auditor or actuary, as the case may be, shall be entitled to examine all books and documents of the society and may demand from the society or any officer of the society such explanations as he may require on any matter relating to the affairs of the society.

 

612[f] Substituted for the former sub-section by Act 13 of l941, Section 48 (8-4-1941). [(3) The results of any such inquiry shall be recorded in writing by the person making the inquiry, and four copies of the record shall be supplied to the [Controller]; and when the inquiry is completed, a copy of the record, or of each such record where more than one are made in the course of the same inquiry, shall be sent by the 613[a] Substituted for "Superintendent of Insurance" by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950 (47 of 1950), Section 4 (1-6-1950). [Controller] to the society concerned and shall be open to inspection by any member or policy-holder of the society.]

 

614[b] Inserted, by Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1941 (13 of 1941), Section 48 (8-4-1941). [(4) All expenses of and incidental to any inquiry made by an auditor or actuary under sub-section (1) including any expenses incurred before the date on which the 615[a] Substituted for "Superintendent of Insurance" by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950 (47 of 1950), Section 4 (1-6-1950). [Controller] receives notice of an appeal under clause (e) of sub-section (1) of section 110 shall be defrayed by the provident society, shall have priority over the other debts due from the society, and shall be recoverable as an arrear of land revenue.]

 

616[g] Inserted by Act (6 of 1946), Section 37 (20-3-1946). [(5) The 617[a] Substituted for "Superintendent of Insurance" by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950 (47 of 1950), Section 4 (1-6-1950). [Controller] may by notice in writing require the provident society to comply within a time to be specified therein (not being less than fifteen days from the receipt of the notice by the society) with any directions he may issue to remedy defects disclosed by an inquiry under this section.

 

(6) If the society fails to comply with any directions issued under sub-section (5), the 618[a] Substituted for "Superintendent of Insurance" by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950 (47 of 1950), Section 4 (1-6-1950). [Controller] may, after giving notice to the society and giving it an opportunity to be heard, apply to the Court for the winding up of the society.]

 

Section 87A Amalgamation and transfer of insurance business

 

(1) The insurance business of a provident society may be transferred to any person or transferred to or amalgamated with the insurance business of any other provident society in accordance with a scheme prepared under this section and sanctioned by the 619[b] Substituted for "Superintendent of Insurance" by Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950 (47 of 1950), S. 4 (1-6-1950). [Controller].

 

(2) Any scheme prepared under this section shall set out the agreement under which the transfer or amalgamation is proposed to be effected, and shall contain such further provisions as may be necessary for giving effect to the scheme.

 

(3) Before an application is made to the 620[a] Substituted for "Superintendent of Insurance" by Act 47 of 1950, S. 4 (1-6-1950). [Controller] to sanction any such scheme, notice of the intention to make the application together with a statement of the nature of the amalgamation or transfer, as the case may be, and of the reason therefor, shall, at least two months before the application is made, be sent to the 621[a] Substituted for "Superintendent of Insurance" by Act 47 of 1950, S. 4 (1-6-1950). [Controller] and certified copies, four in number, of each of the following documents shall he furnished to him, and other such copies shall, during the two months aforesaid, be kept open for the inspection of the members and policy-holders at the principal and branch offices of the provident societies concerned, namely:-

 

(a) a draft of the agreement or deed under which it is proposed to effect the amalgamation or transfer,

(b) balance-sheets in respect of the insurance business of each of the provident societies concerned in such amalgamation or transfer,

(c) actuarial reports and abstracts in respect of the insurance business of each of the provident societies so concerned,

(d) a report on the proposed amalgamation or transfer prepared by an independent actuary,

(e) any other reports on which the scheme of amalgamation or transfer was founded; and the balance-sheets, reports and abstracts referred to in clauses (b), (c) and (d) shall all be prepared as at the date at which the amalgamation or transfer if sanctioned by the 622[a] Substituted for "Superintendent of Insurance" by Act 47 of 1950, S. 4 (1-6-1950). [Controller] is to take effect, which date shall not be more than twelve months before the date on which the application to the 623[a] Substituted for "Superintendent of Insurance" by Act 47 of 1950, S. 4 (1-6-1950). [Controller] is made under this section :

624[a] Substituted for "Superintendent of Insurance" by Act 47 of 1950, S. 4 (1-6-1950). [Controller] may exempt the provident society or societies concerned from furnishing to him and from keeping open for inspection any one or more of the above docume0nts.

 

(4) When any application such as is referred to in sub-section (3) is made to the 625[a] Substituted for "Superintendent of Insurance" by Act 47 of 1950. S. 4 (1-6-1950). [Controller] he may require if for special reasons he so directs, notice of the application to be sent to every person resident 626[b] Substituted for "in the Provinces or in an Indian State" by A.L.O., 1950. [in India] who is the holder of a policy of any provident society concerned and may cause a statement of the nature and terms of the amalgamation or transfer, as the case may be, to the published in such manner and for such periods as he may direct, and after hearing the societies concerned, such policy-holders as apply to be heard and such other persons as he may deem fit, may sanction the arrangement, if he is satisfied that no sufficient objection to the arrangement has been established and shall make such consequential orders as are necessary to give effect to the arrangement including orders as to the disposal of any deposit made under section 73 : Provided that—

 

(a) no part of the deposit made by any party to the amalgamation or transfer shall be returned except where, after effect is given to the arrangement the whole of the deposit to be made by the provident society carrying on the amalgamated business or the person to whom the business is transferred is completed;

(b) only so much shall be returned as is no longer required to complete the deposit last mentioned in clause (a);

(c) while the deposit last mentioned in clause (a) remains uncompleted, no accession, resulting from the arrangement, to the amount already deposited by the provident society carrying on the amalgamated business or the person to whom the business is transferred shall be appropriated as payment or part payment of any instalment of deposit subsequently due from it or him under section 73.

 

(5) A copy of the order under sub-section (4) sanctioning or refusing to sanction the arrangement shall be sent to each of the societies concerned and to each of the policy-holders who applied to be heard.

 

(6) If the scheme involves a reduction of the amount of the insurance and other contracts of the transfer or society or of any or all of the societies concerned in the amalgamation, the 627[a] Substituted for "Superintendent of Insurance" by An 47 of 1950, S. 4 (1-6-1950). [Controller] may sanction the scheme reducing the amount of such contracts upon such terms and subject to such conditions as he may think proper, and the reduction of the contracts as sanctioned by the 628[a] Substituted for "Superintendent of Insurance" by An 47 of 1950, S. 4 (1-6-1950). [Controller] shall be valid and binding on all the parties concerned.]

 

Section 88 Winding up by Court and voluntary winding up

 

(1) The Court may order the winding up of a provident society being a company incorporated under the Companies Act, 1913, 629[ab] Inserted by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1941 (13 of 1941), S. 49 (8-4-1941). [or under the Companies Act. 1882, or under the Companies Act, 1866, or under any Act repealed thereof], and the provisions of [the Indian Companies Act, 1913], shall, subject to the provisions of this Part, apply accordingly.

 

630[d] Substituted for former sub-section, by Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1946 (6 of 1946). S. 39 (20-3-1946). [(2) In addition to the grounds on which such an order may be based, the Court may order the winding up of a provident society if the 631[d] Substituted for former sub-section, by Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1946 (6 of 1946). S. 39 (20-3-1946). [Controller] who is hereby authorized to do so, applies in this behalf to the Court on any of the following grounds, namely:- (a) that the registration of the society has been cancelled under sub-section (4) of section 70; (b) that it appears from the returns furnished under the provisions of this Act or as the result of an inquiry made under section 87 that the society is insolvent; (c) that the continuance of the society is prejudicial to the interests of the policy-holders.]

 

(3) A provident society being a company incorporated under the Indian Companies Act, 1913, 632[ab] Inserted by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1941 (13 of 1941), S. 49 (8-4-1941). [or under the Companies Act, 1882, or under the Companies Act, 1866, or under any Act repealed thereby], may be wound up voluntarily in accordance with the provisions of 633[c] Substituted for "that Act", by Insurance (Amendment) Act. [the Companies Act, 1913,] but shall not be so wound up except for the purpose of effecting an imalgamation or re-construction of the society or on the ground that by reason of its liabilities it cannot continue its business.

 

(4) A provident society not being a company incorporated under the Companies Act 1913, 634[ab] Inserted by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1941 (13 of 1941), S. 49 (8-4-1941). [or under the Companies Act. 1882, or under the Companies Act, 1866, or under any Act repealed thereby], may be wound up voluntarily under this Act if a resolution is passed by the proprietors that the society should be wound up voluntarily for the purpose or on the ground specified in sub-section (3), and the 635[e] Substituted for "Superintendent of Insurance", by Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950 (47 of 1950), S.4 (1-6-1950). [Controller] may, in any case where he has ordered the cancellation of the registration of a society under section 70(4), order the winding up of the society under this Act.

 

Section 89 Reduction in insurance contracts

 

The Court may make an order reducing the amount of the insurance contracts of a provident society upon such terms and subject to such conditions as the Court thinks just-

(a) if the 636[a] Substituted for "Superintendent of Insurance" by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950 (47 of 1950). S. 4 (1-6-1950). [Controller] as an alternative to cancelling the registration of a society under Section 70(4) applies to the Court in this behalf;

 

(b) if while a society is in liquidation the Court thinks fit;

 

(c) if when a society has been proved to be insolvent, the Court thinks fit to do so in place of making an order for the winding up of the society; or

 

(d) if the Court is satisfied on an application made in this behalf by the society supported by the report of an actuary, and after giving the policy-holders an opportunity to be heard that it is desirable to do so.

 

Section 90 Appointment of liquidator

 

(1) Where a provident society as to be would up whether under the Indian Companies Act, 1913, or under this Act, the society shall, within seven days from the date of the order of the Court ordering the winding up or the passing of the resolution authorizing the winding up, as the case may be, give notice thereof to the 637[ab] Substituted for "Superintendent of Insurance", by Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950 (47 of 1950), S.4 (1-6-1950). [Controller], and except where the winding up is down by an order of the Court, the 638[ab] Substituted for "Superintendent of Insurance", by Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950 (47 of 1950), S.4 (1-6-1950). [Controller] shall appoint the liquidator and shall determine the remuneration to be paid to him:

 

639[c] Inserted, by Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1941 (13 of 1941), S. 50 (8-4-1941).c [Provided that if the 640[ab] Substituted for "Superintendent of Insurance", by Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950 (47 of 1950), S.4 (1-6-1950). [Controller] is not satisfied that the assets of the society are sufficient to meet the costs of liquidation including the remuneration of the liquidator, he may decline to make such appointment, and in such a case the society shall itself appoint a liquidator who shall carry out the liquidation as if the winding up was being done by an order of the Court.]

(2) Any liquidator 641[d] Substituted for "so appointed", by Insurance (Amendment) Act. [appointed by the 642[ab] Substituted for "Superintendent of Insurance", by Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950 (47 of 1950), S.4 (1-6-1950). [Controller] under sub-section (1)] may be removed by the 643[ab] Substituted for "Superintendent of Insurance", by Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950 (47 of 1950), S.4 (1-6-1950). [Controller] if satisfied that the duties entrusted to him are not being properly discharged.

 

494[a] Substituted and deemed always to have been substituted for the former section by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1940 (20 of 1940). Section 10.

 

Section 90A Application of Act to liquidators

 

[. .- Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in the provisions of sections 91,92 and 93 shall apply to any liquidator appointed to wind up a provident society, whether by the Court, the 644[b] Substituted for "Superintendent of Insurance" by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950147 of 1950), S. 4 (1-6-1950). [Controller] or the society itself.]

 

Section 91 Powers of liquidator

 

(1) A liquidator appointed to wind up a society shall have power-

 

(a) to institute or defend any legal proceedings on behalf of the society by his name of office;

(b) to determine the contribution to be made by members of the society respectively to the assets of the society;

(c) to investigate all claims against the society and to decide questions of priority arising between claimants;

(d) to determine by what persons and in what proportion the costs of the liquidation 645[a] Inserted by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1941 (13 of 1941), S. 51 (8-4-1941): [including the remuneration of the liquidator and any expenses incurred under clause (g) of this sub-section] are to be borne;

(e) to give such direction in regard to the collection and distribution of the assets of the society as may appear to him to be necessary for winding up the affairs of the society;

(f) to summon, and enforce the attendance of, witnesses and to compel the production of documents by the same means and as far as may be in the same manner as is provided in the case of a Civil Court by the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908; [* * *]

(g) with the sanction of the 646[c] Substituted for "Superintendent of Insurance", by Insurance (Amendment) Act, S. 4 (1-6-1950). [Controller] to employ such establishment and to obtain such assistance from an actuary or an auditor as may be necessary for the discharge of his duties;

647[d] Inserted, by Insurance (Amendment) Act. S. 53 (1-6-1950). [(h) to sell the immovable and movable property of the society by public auction or private contract, with power to transfer the whole thereof to any person or society or to sell the same in parcels.]

 

(2) The liquidator shall, for settling the list of contributories and realising the amount of contributions, have the same powers as an official liquidator appointed by the Court for the winding up of a company under the Companies Act, 1913.

 

Section 92 Procedure at liquidation

 

(1) As soon as a liquidator is appointed to wind up a society he shall take charge of all property movable or immovable of the society and of all its books and documents.

 

(2) If any proprietor or officer of the society or any other person retains any portion of the assets of the society or fails to deliver to the liquidator any book or document when so required by the liquidator, he shall be punishable with imprisonment which may extend to six months, or with fine which may extend to five hundred ruppes, or with both, and the Court may order the delivery of the assets or book or document to the liquidator.

 

(3) The liquidator shall within fifteen days of his appointment send notice by post to all persons who appear to him to be creditors of the society that a meeting of the creditors of the society will be held on a date not being less than twenty-one nor more than twenty-eight days after his appointment, and at a place and hour to be specified in the notice, and shall also advertise notice of the meeting once in the local official Gazette and once at least in two newspapers circulating in the State in which the society is situated.

 

(4) At the meeting so held the creditors shall determine whether an application shall be made for the appointment of any person as liquidator in the place of or jointly with the liquidator already appointed, or for the appointment of a committee of inspection, and, if they so resolve and an application accordingly is made at any time not later than fourteen days after the date of the meeting by any creditor appointed for the purpose at the meeting, 648[a] Substituted for "the Superintendent of Insurance shall appoint a suitable person" by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950 (47 of 1950), S. 54 (1-6-1950). [the Controller may, if he thinks fit, appoint a suitable person] in place of or jointly with the liquidator already appointed, and; 649[b] Substituted for "if so desired", by Insurance (Amendment) Act. 1946 (6 of 1946). S. 41 (20-3-1946). [determine the remuneration to be paid to him 650[c] Substituted for "and if so desired, shall also appoint a committee of inspection" by Act 47 of 1950, S. 54 (1-6-1950). [and if he considers it desirable, may also appoint a committee of inspection]].

 

(5) The committee of inspection shall, subject to any prescribed conditions, have a general power of supervision over the acts of the liquidator and shall have right to inspect his accounts at all reasonable times.

 

(6) The liquidator shall, with such assistance from an actuary as may be required, ascertain as soon as practicable the amount of the society's liability to every person appearing by the society's books to be entitled to or interested in any policy issued by the society, and shall give notice of the amount so found to each person in the prescribed manner and each such person on receiving such notice shall be bound by the value so ascertained.

 

(7) The liquidator shall make a valuation of the assets of the society and an estimate of the costs of the winding up, and shall on the basis of these settle the list of contributories.

 

(8) The liquidator shall apply to the 651[a] Substituted for "Superintendent of Insurance" by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950 (47 of 1950), S. 4 (1-6-1950). [Controller] for an order for the return of the deposit made by the society under section 73 and the 652[a] Substituted for "Superintendent of Insurance" by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950 (47 of 1950), S. 4 (1-6-1950). [Controller] shall on such application order the return of the deposit subject to such terms and conditions as he may think fit.

 

(9) In administering and distributing the assets of the society liquidator shall have regard to any directions that may be given by the creditors or contributories at a general meeting or by the 653[a] Substituted for "Superintendent of Insurance" by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950 (47 of 1950), S. 4 (1-6-1950). [Controller].

 

(10) The liquidator shall keep books of account in which he shall record the proceedings at all meetings attended by him, all amounts received or expended by him and any other matter that may be prescribed, and these books may, with the sanction of the [Controller], be inspected by any creditor or contributory.

 

(11) If the winding up continues for more than a year, the liquidator shall summon a meeting of the creditors and contributories at the end of the first year and of each succeeding year, and shall lay before them an account of his acts and dealings and of the conduct of the winding up, and that account together with any views expressed thereon by the meeting shall be forwarded by the liquidator 654[b] Inserted by Act 47 of 1950, S. 54 (1-6-1950). [within one week after the meeting] to the 655[a] Substituted for "Superintendent of Insurance" by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950 (47 of 1950), S. 4 (1-6-1950). [Controller].

 

(12) So far as is not otherwise provided herein or is not otherwise prescribed under this Act, the liquidator shall so far as practicable follow the procedure to be followed by an official liquidator appointed by the Court for the winding up of a company under the Companies Act, 1913.

 

656[a] Inserted by the Insurance (Amendment) Act. 1941 (13 of 1941), S. 52 (8-4-1941). [(13) The costs of the liquidation including '.he remuneration of the liquidator and any expenses incurred under clause(g) of sub-section (1), of section 91 shall, if the liquidator decides that they shall be payable out of the assets of the society, be payable in priority to all other claims.]

 

Section 93 Dissolution of provident society

 

(1) As soon as the affairs of a provident society are fully wound up, the liquidator shall prepare an account of the winding up showing how the winding up has been conducted and the property of the society has been disposed of and shall call a meeting of the members, creditors and contributors for the purpose of laying before it the account and giving any explanation thereof.

 

(2) Notice of the meeting shall be sent to each person individually and shall be advertised in the local Official Gazette and in at least two newspapers circulating in the State in which the society is situated.

 

(3) Within one week after the meeting the liquidator shall send to the 657[a] Substituted for "Superintendent of Insurance" by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950 (4 of 1950), S. 4 (1-6-1950). [Controller] a copy of the account and shall report to him the holding of the meeting and its date and shall forward to him a copy of the proceedings of the meeting.

 

(4) The 658[a] Substituted for "Superintendent of Insurance" by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950 (4 of 1950), S. 4 (1-6-1950). [Controller] may return the account to the liquidator if it is incomplete or unsatisfactory and may require the liquidator to carry out any further steps necessary to complete the winding up and the liquidator shall comply with such requirement and shall submit a further report to the 659[a] Substituted for "Superintendent of Insurance" by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950 (4 of 1950), S. 4 (1-6-1950). [Controller] within six months.

 

(5) If the 660[a] Substituted for "Superintendent of Insurance" by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950 (4 of 1950), S. 4 (1-6-1950). [Controller] is satisfied that the affairs of the society have been fully wound up he shall register the account of the liquidator who shall forthwith make over to the 661[a] Substituted for "Superintendent of Insurance" by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950 (4 of 1950), S. 4 (1-6-1950). [Controller] sums, if any, remaining undisposed of and on the expiry of three months from the registering of the account, the 662[a] Substituted for "Superintendent of Insurance" by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950 (4 of 1950), S. 4 (1-6-1950). [Controller] shall declare the society disssolved and cause the dissolution of the society to be notified in the local Official Gazette, and the liquidator shall thereupon be discharged from further responsibility.

 

(6) If within a period of five years from the date on which any sums have been made over to the 663[a] Substituted for "Superintendent of Insurance" by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950 (4 of 1950), S. 4 (1-6-1950). [Controller] under sub-section (5) an order of a Court of competent jurisdiction has not been obtained at the instance of any claimant to such sums for their disposal, the said sums shall become the property of Government.

 

Section 94 Nomination and assignments

 

(1) The provisions of section 38 and section 39 relating to assignment, transfer and nomination in the case of life insurance policies shall, subject to the provisions of this section, apply to policies of insurance issued by any provident society covering any of the contingencies specified in clause (a) [of section 65(2).

 

664[b] Sub-section (2) was omitted, by Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950 (47 of 1950), S. 55 (1-6-1950). [(2)* * * * * * *]

 

PART 3A INSURANCE CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETIES

 

PART 665 Part 3A shall be inserted by Insurance (Amendment) Act, 2002 (42 of 2002), published in the Gazette of India, Extra., Part 11, Section 1

 

Section 94A Insurance co-operative society to be an insurer.

 

(1) Every insurance cooperative society shall be deemed to be an insurer for the purposes of this Act.

 

(2) Save as otherwise provided in this Act, all the provisions applicable to an insurer being an Indian insurance company shall, so far as may be, apply to an insurance co-operative society : Provided that the Authority may, by notification, direct that any of the provisions of this Act, (a) shall not apply to any insurance co-operative society; or (b) shall apply to any insurance co-operative society only with such exceptions, modifications and adaptations as may be specified in the notification.

 

(3) A copy of every notification proposed to be issued under proviso to subsection (2), shall be laid in draft before each House of Parliament, while it is in session, for a total period of thirty days which may be comprised in one session or in two or more successive sessions, and if, before the expiry of the session immediately following the session or the successive sessions aforesaid, both Houses agree in disapproving the issue of the notification or both Houses agree in making any modification in the notification, the notification shall not be issued or, as the case may be, shall be issued only in such modified form as may be agreed upon by both the Houses.

 

PART 4 MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANIES AND CO-OPERATIVE LIFE INSURANCE SOCIETIES

 

Section 95 Definitions

 

(1) In this Part-

 

(a) "Mutual Insurance Company" means an insurer, being a company [incorporated under the Companies Act, 1913 or under the Companies Act, 1882, or under the Companies Act, 1866, or under any Act repeated thereby,] which has no share capital and of which by its constitution only and all policy-holders are members; and

(b) "Co-operative Life Insurance Society" means an insurer being a society registered under the Co-operative Societies Act, 1912, or under an Act of a [State] Legislature governing the registration of co-operative societies which carries on the business of life insurance and which has no share capital on which dividend or bonus is payable and of which by its constitution only original members on whose application the society is registered and all policy-holders are members :

 

(2) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (1), other co-operative societies may be admitted as members of a Co-operative Life Insurance Society, without being eligible to any dividend, profit or bonus.

 

(3) A 666[c] Inserted, by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1941. [State Government] may, subject to any rules made by the Central Government, empower the Registrar of Co-operative Societies of the State to register co-operative societies for the insurance of cattle or crops or both under the provisions of the Co-operative Societies Act in force in the State.

 

(4) A State Government may make rules not inconsistent with any rules made by the Central Government to govern such societies, and the provisions of this Act, in so far as they are inconsistent with those rules, shall not apply to such societies.

 

Section 96 Application of Act to Mutual Insurance Companies and Co-operative Life Insurance Societies

 

The provisions of section 6 and Section 7 and of Section 20(2), so far as those provisions are inconsistent with the provisions of this Part, shall not apply, and the provisions of this Part shall apply, to 667[a] Part IVA consisting of Ss. 101A and 101B was inserted by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1961 (11 of 1961), S. 2 (1-4-1961). [* * *] Co-operative Life Insurance Societies.

 

Section 97 Working capital of Mutual Insurance Companies and Co-operative Life Insurance Societies

 

668[a] Part IVA consisting of Ss. 101A and 101B was inserted by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1961 (11 of 1961), S. 2 (1-4-1961). [No Co-operative Life Insurance Society registered after the 26th day of January, 1937] under the Co-operative Societies Act, 1912, or under an Act of a State Legislature governing the registration of co-operative societies shall be registered under this Act, unless it has as working capital a sum of fifteen thousand rupees, exclusive of the deposit to be made before or at the time of application for registration in accordance with sub- section (2) of section 98of this Act and of the preliminary expenses, if any, incurred in the formation of the company or society.

 

Section 98 Deposits to be made by Mutual Insurance Companies and Co-operative Life Insurance Societies

 

(1) Every 669[a] Part IVA consisting of Ss. 101A and 101B was inserted by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1961 (11 of 1961), S. 2 (1-4-1961). [* * * *] Co-operative Life Insurance Society shall, in respect of the life insurance business carried on by it in the States, deposit and keep deposited with one of the offices in India of the Reserve Bank of India, for and on behalf of the Central Government, a sum of two hundred thousand rupees in cash or in approved securities estimated at the market value of the securities on the day of deposit.

 

(2) The deposit referred to in sub-section (1) may be made in instalments, of which the first shall be a payment, made before or at the time the application for registration under this Act is made, 670[a] Part IVA consisting of Ss. 101A and 101B was inserted by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1961 (11 of 1961), S. 2 (1-4-1961). [of not less than twenty-five thousand rupees] or such sum as with any deposit previously made by the insurer under the provisions of the Indian Life Insurance Companies Act, 1912, brings the amount deposited 671[c] Inserted, by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1941. [up to not less than twenty-five thousand rupees] and the subsequent instalments shall be annual instalments made before the expiry of each subsequent 672[d] Substituted for "year", by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1941, 1939(11 of 1939), S. 30. [calendar year] of an amount in cash or in approved securities estimated at the market value of the securities on the day of payment of the instalment, 673[e] Substituted and deemed always to have been substituted for "equal to one-third of the gross premium" by Act 13 of 1941, S. 53. [equal to not less than one-third of the] 674[f] Substituted for "gross premium income received in the previous calendar year", by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1941, 1946 (6 of 1946), S. 43 (20-3-1946). [premium income in the preceding calendar year as shown in the revenue account.]

 

675[g] Inserted and deemed always to have been inserted by Act 13 of 1941, S. 53. [(3) The provisions of Section 7(7) shall apply in respect of 676[a] Part IVA consisting of Ss. 101A and 101B was inserted by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1961 (11 of 1961), S. 2 (1-4-1961). [* * * *] a Co-operative Life Insurance Society as if for the words 'under the foregoing provisions of this section' the words and figures 'under the provisions of sub-section 98' were substituted.]

 

Section 98A Prohibition of loans

 

[. .- The provisions of section 29 shall apply to Co- operative Life Insurance Societies as they apply to other insurers, [* * *].]

 

Section 99 Transferees and assignees of policies not to become members

 

.- No transferee or assignee of a policy issued by an insurer to whom this part applies shall become a member of a Mutual Insurance Company or a Co-operative Life Insurance Society merely by reason of any such transfer or assignment.

 

Section 100 Publication of notices and documents of Mutual Insurance Companies and Co-operative Life Insurance Societies

 

.- Notwithstanding the provisions of S.79 of the Indian Companies Act, 1913 a Mutual Insurance Company or a Co- operative Life Insurance Society may, instead of sending the notices and the copies of the balance-sheet, revenue account and other documents which they are required to send to the members under those sections, 678[a] Part IVA consisting of Ss. 101A and 101B was inserted by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1961 (11 of 1961), S. 2 (1-4-1961). [publish such notice together with a summary in the prescribed form of the balance-sheet and revenue account] once in a newspaper published in the English language and in a newspaper published in an Indian language circulating in the place where the principal office of the company is situated : Provided that, where any members of the company are domiciled in a State other than that in which the principal office of the company is situated, .publication of the 679[b] The words "balance-sheet, revenue account and" were omitted, by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1941, 1941 (13 of 1941), S. 54 (8-4-1941). [* * *] notice of the meetings shall be made in a newspaper or newspapers published in the principal languages of that State and circulating therein 680[c] Inserted, by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1941. [and any member of the company domiciled in that State shall be entitled on application to the company to receive from it a copy of the balance-sheet and revenue account.]

 

Section 101 Supply of documents to members

 

.- Every Mutual Insurance Company and every Co-operative Life Insurance Society shall, on the application of any member made within two years from the date on which any such document is furnished to the Registrar of Companies under the provisions of S.134 of the Indian Companies Act, 1913or to the Registrar of Co-operative Societies of the State in which the Co-operative Life Insurance Society is registered of the State in which the Co-operative Life Insurance Society is registered, furnish a copy of the document free of cost to the member within fourteen days of the application.

 

PART 4A RE-INSURANCE

 

681[a] Part IVA consisting of Ss. 101A and 101B was inserted by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1961 (11 of 1961), S. 2 (1-4-1961). [PART

 

Section 101A Re-insurance with Indian re-insurers

 

(1) Every insurer shall reinsure with Indian re-insurers such percentage of the sum assured on each policy as may be specified 683[a] Inserted by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1968 (62 of 1968), S. 33 (1-6-1969). by the Central Government under sub-section (2).

 

(2) For the purposes of sub-section (1), the Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette,-

 

(a) specify the percentage of sum assured on each policy to be re-insured and different percentages may be specified for different classes of insurance:

Provided that no percentage so specified shall exceed thirty per cent. of the sum assured on such policy; and

(b) also specify the proportions in which the said percentage shall be allocated among the Indian re-insurers.

 

(3) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (1), an insurer carrying on fire insurance business in India may, in lieu of re-insuring the percentage specified under sub- section (2) of the sum assured on each policy in respect of such business, re-insure with Indian re-insurers such amount out of the first surplus in respect of that business as he thinks fit, so however, that, the aggregate amount of the premiums payable by him on such re-insurance in any year is not less than the said percentage of the premium income (without taking into account premiums on re-insurance ceded or accepted) in respect of such business during that year.

 

(4) A notification under sub-section (2) may also specify the terms and conditions in respect of any business of re-insurance required to be transacted under this section and such terms and conditions shall be binding on Indian re-insurers and other insurers.

 

(5) No notification under sub-section (2) shall be issued except after consultation with the Advisory Committee constituted under section 101 B.

 

(6) Every notification issued under this section shall be laid before each House of Parliament, as soon as may be, after it is made.

 

(7) For the removal of doubts, it is hereby declared that nothing in sub-section (1) shall be construed as preventing an insurer from re-insuring with any Indian re-insurer or other insurer the entire sum assured on any policy or any portion thereof in excess of the percentage specified under sub-section (2).

 

(8) In this section,-

 

(i) "policy" means a policy issued or renewed, on or after the 1st day of April, 1961, in respect of general insurance business transacted in India and does not include a re-insurance policy; and

684 In Section 101A, sub-section (ii) shall be substituted by Insurance (Amendment) Act, 2002 (42 of 2002), published in the Gazette of India, Extra., Part 11, Section 1(ii) "Indian re-insurer" means an Indian insurance company which has been granted a certificate of registration under sub-section (2-A) of Section 3 by the Authority to carry on exclusively the re-insurance business in India.

 

Section 101B Advisory Committee

682[a] Inserted by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1968 (62 of 1968), S. 33 (1-6-1969).

 

(1) The Central Government shall, for the purposes of section 101 A, constitute an Advisory Committee consisting of not more than five persons having special knowledge and experience of the business of insurance.

 

(2) The term of office of, and the allowances payable to, members of the Advisory Committee, the procedure to be followed by, and the quorum necessary for the transaction of business of, the Committee and the manner of filling casual vacancies therein shall be such as may be prescribed.]

 

Section 101C Examination of re-insurance treaties

 

[. .- The Controller may, at any time,-

(a) call upon an insurer to submit for his examination at the principal place of business of the insurer in India all re-insurance treaties and other re-insurance contracts entered into by the insurer;

 

(b) examine any officer of the insurer on oath in relation to any such document as is referred to in clause (a) above; or

 

(c) by notice in writing, require any insurer to supply him with copies of any of the documents referred to in clause (a), certified by a principal officer of the insurer.]

 

 

PART 5 MISCELLANEOUS

 

Section 102 Penalty for default in complying with, or act in contravention of, this Act

 

692[a] Sub-sections (1), (2) and (3) were substituted for the original sub-sections (1) and (2) by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1941 (13 of 1941), Section 61 (8-4-1941). [(1) Except as otherwise provided in this Act, any insurer, principal agent, chief agent, or special agent, who makes default in complying with, or acts in contravention of, any requirement of this Act, or of any rule or order made thereunder and, where the insurer is a company any director, managing agent, manager or other officer of the company, or where the insurer is a firm, any partner of the firm who is knowingly a party to the default or cotravention, shall be punishable with fine which may extend to one thousand rupees, and in the case of a continuing default or contravention with an additional fine which may extend to five hundred rupees every day during which the default or contravention continues.] 693[e] Substituted for "Province" by A.L.O., 1950. (1A) If any person fails to produce any book, account or other document or to furnish any statement or information which, under Section 33(2) or under section 64UE(3), it is his duty to produce or furnish, or to answer any question relating to the business of an insurer which he is asked by an officer making an inspection under either of those sections, he shall be punishable with fine which may extend to two thousand rupees in respect of each failure and if the failure continues, to a further fine which may extend to one hundred rupees for each day after the first, during which such failure continues.] (2) 694[b] Substituted for "Superintendent of Insurance", by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950 (47 of 1950), S. 4 (1-6-1950). [Any provident society as defined in Pan III which makes default in complying with or acts in contravention of 695[c] 1st January 1942, see Com. Dept. No. 530-I(27)/-41 dated 6th December, 1941 published in Gazette of India, 6-12-1941, Pt. I, p. 1754. [any requirement of this Act or of any rule or order made thereunder]] and any director, managing agent, manager, secretary or other officer of the society who is knowingly a party to the default 696[d] Substituted for the words, brackets and figures "any director, manager or other officer of an insurer or any person who is liable under sub-section (2) of section. 41." by the Insurance (Amendment) Act. [or contravention], shall be punishable with fine which may extend to five hundred rupees or in the case of a continuing default 697[d] Substituted for the words, brackets and figures "any director, manager or other officer of an insurer or any person who is liable under sub-section (2) of section. 41." by the Insurance (Amendment) Act. [or contravention] with fine which may extend to two hundred and fifty rupees for every day during which the default 698[d] Substituted for the words, brackets and figures "any director, manager or other officer of an insurer or any person who is liable under sub-section (2) of section. 41." by the Insurance (Amendment) Act. [or contravention] continues.

 

Section 103 Penalty for carrying on insurance business in contravention of sections 3, 7 and 98

 

(1) Any insurer or any person acting on behalf of an insurer, who 699[a] Sub-sections (1), (2) and (3) were substituted for the original sub-sections (1) and (2) by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1941 (13 of 1941), Section 61 (8-4-1941). [carries on] any class of insurance business in contravention of any of the provisions of section 3700[b] Substituted for "Superintendent of Insurance", by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950 (47 of 1950), S. 4 (1-6-1950). [* * *] section 7701[c] 1st January 1942, see Com. Dept. No. 530-I(27)/-41 dated 6th December, 1941 published in Gazette of India, 6-12-1941, Pt. I, p. 1754. [* * *] or section 98, or does any one or more of the acts constituting the business of insurance 702[e] Substituted for "Province" by A.L.O., 1950. [in relation to any insurance business 703[d] Substituted for the words, brackets and figures "any director, manager or other officer of an insurer or any person who is liable under sub-section (2) of section. 41." by the Insurance (Amendment) Act. [carried on] in contravention of any of the said sections] shall be punishable with fine which may extend to two thousand rupees.

 

(2) Any person knowingly taking out a policy of insurance with any insurer or person guilty of an offence under sub-section (1) shall be punishable with fine which may extend to five hundred rupees:

 

Provided that nothing in 704[f] Substituted for "the States" by the Jammu and Kashmir (Extension of Laws) Act, 1956 (62 of 1956), section 2 and Schedule (1-11-1956). [sub-section (1) or sub-section (2)] shall apply to the business of re-insurance between the head office of an insurer in 705[g] Inserted by A.L.O., 1950. [India] and the head office of an insurer not having an office in 706[g] Inserted by A.L.O., 1950. [India].

707[h] Substituted for "Part C State" by 3 A.L.O., 1956. [(3) Any provident society or any person acting on behalf of a provident society who carries on any class of insurance business in contravention of any of the provisions of section 70, section 73or section 83or does any one or more of the Acts constituting the business of insurance in relation to any insurance business carried on in contravention of any of the said sections shall be punishable with fine which may extend to one thousand rupees.]

 

Section 104 Penalty for false statement in document

 

Whoever, in any return, report, certificate, balance sheet or other document, required by or for the purposes of any of the provisions of this Act, willfully makes a statement false in any material particular, knowing it to be false, shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extent to three years, or with fine which may extend to one thousand rupees, or with both.

 

Section 105 Wrongfully obtaining or withholding property

685[a] Substituted and shall be deemed always to have been substituted for the original

 

708[a] Sub-sections (1), (2) and (3) were substituted for the original sub-sections (1) and (2) by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1941 (13 of 1941), Section 61 (8-4-1941). [(1) Any director, managing agent, manager or other officer or employee of an insurer who wrongfully obtains possession of any property of the insurer or having any such property in his possession wrongfully withholds it or willfully applies it to purposes other than those expressed or authorised by this Act shall 709[b] Substituted for "Superintendent of Insurance", by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950 (47 of 1950), S. 4 (1-6-1950). [on the complaint of the 710[c] 1st January 1942, see Com. Dept. No. 530-I(27)/-41 dated 6th December, 1941 published in Gazette of India, 6-12-1941, Pt. I, p. 1754. [Controller] made after giving the insurer not less than fifteen days' notice of his intention, or] on the complaint of the insurer or any member or any policy-holder thereof, be punishable with fine which may extend to one thousand rupees and may be ordered by the Court trying the offence to deliver up or refund within a time to be fixed by the Court any such property improperly obtained or wrongfully withheld or willfully misapplied and in default to suffer imprisonment for a period not exceeding two years.

 

711[d] Substituted for the words, brackets and figures "any director, manager or other officer of an insurer or any person who is liable under sub-section (2) of section. 41." by the Insurance (Amendment) Act. [(2) This section shall apply in respect of a provident society as defined in Part III as it applies in respect of an insurer.]

 

section 106 by the Insurance (Second Amendment) Act. 1955 (54 of 1955). section 4.

 

(1) If, on the application of the Controller or an Administrator appointed under section 52A or an insurer or any policy-holder or any member of an insurance company or the liquidator of an insurance company (in the event of the insurance company being in liquidation), the Court is satisfied-

 

(a) that any insurer (including in any case where the insurer is an insurance company any person who has taken part in the promotion or formation of the insurance company or any past or present director, managing agent, manager, secretary or liquidator) or any officer, employee or agent of the insurer.---

(i) has misapplied or retained or become liable or become accountable for any money or property of the insurer: or

(ii) has been guilty of any misfeasance or breach of trust in relation to the insurer; or

 

(b) that any person, whether he is or has been in any way connected with the affairs of the insurer or not, is in wrongful possession of any money or property of the insurer or having any such money or property in his possession wrongfully withholds it or has converted it to any use other than that of ':he insurer or

(c) that by reason of any contravention of the provisions of this Act, the amount of life insurance fund has been diminished; the Court may examine any such insurer, director, managing agent, manager, secretary or liquidator or any such officer, employee or agent of the insurer or such other person, as the case may be, and may compel him to contribute such sums to the assets of the insurer by way of compensation in respect of the misapplication, retainer, misfeasance or breach of trust as the Court thinks fit, or to pay such sum as may be found due from him in respect of any money or property of the insurer for which he is liable or accountable or to restore any money or property of the insurer or any part thereof, as the case may be: and where the amount of the life insurance fund has been diminished by reason of any contravention of the provisions of this Act, the Court shall have power to assess the sum by which the amount of the fund has been diminished and to order the person guilty of such contravention to contribute to the fund the whole or any part of that sum by way of composition: and in any of the aforesaid cases the Court shall have power to order interest to be paid at such rate and from such time as the Court may deem fit.

 

(2) Without prejudice to the provisions contained in sub-section (1) or sub-section (3), where it is proved that any money or property of an insurer has disappeared or has been lost, the Court shall presume that every person in charge of, or having a disposing power over, such money or property at the relevant time (whether a director, manager, principal officer or any other officer) has become accountable for such money or property within the meaning of sub-clause (i) of clause (a) of sub-section (1), and the provisions of that sub-section shall apply accordingly, unless such person proves that the money or property has been utilised or disposed of in the ordinary course of the business of the insurer and for the purpose of that business or that he took all reasonable steps to prevent the disappearance or loss of such money or property or otherwise satisfactorily accounts for such disappearance or loss.

 

(3) Where the insurer is an insurance company and any of the acts referred to in clauses (a), (b) and (c) of sub-section (1) has been committed by any person, every person who was at the relevant time a director, managing agent, manager, liquidator, secretary or other officer of the insurance company shall, for the purposes of that sub-section, be deemed to be liable for that act in the same manner and to the same extent as the person who has committed the act, unless he proves that the act was committee without his consent or connivance and was not facilitated by any neglect or omission on his part.

 

(4) Where at any stage of the proceedings against any person under this section (hereinafter referred to as the delinquent), the Court is satisfied by affidavit or otherwise-

 

(a) that a prima facie case has been made our against the delinquent; and

(b) that it is just and proper so to do in the interests of the policy-holders of an insurer or of the members of an insurance company, the Court may direct the attachment of-

(i) any property of the insurer in the possession of the delinquent;

(ii) any property of the delinquent which belongs to him or is deemed to belong to him within the meaning of sub-section (5);

(iii) any property transferred by the delinquent within two years before the commencement of proceedings under sub-section (1) or during the pendency of such proceedings, if the Court is satisfied by affidavit or otherwise that the transfer was otherwise than in good faith and for consideration.

 

(5) For the purposes of sub-section (4), the following classes of property shall be deemed to belong to a delinquent:-

 

(a) any property standing in the name of any person which by reason of the person being connected with the delinquent, whether by way of relationship or otherwise, or on account of any other relevant circumstances appears to belong to the delinquent;

(b) the property of a private company in respect of the affairs of which the delinquent, by himself or through his nominees, relatives, partners or persons interested in any shares of the company is able to exercise or is entitled to acquire control, whether direct or indirect.

 

(6) Any claim to any property attached under this section or any objection to such attachment shall be made by an application to the Court, and it shall be for the claimant or objector to adduce evidence to show that the property is not liable to attachment under this section, and the Court shall proceed to investigate the claim or objection in a summary manner.

 

(7) When disposing of an application under sub-section (1), the Court shall after giving all persons who appear to it to be interested in any property attached under this section an opportunity of being heard, make such order as it thinks fit respecting the disposal of any such, property for the purpose of effectually enforcing any liability under this section, and all such persons shall be deemed to be parties to the proceedings under this section.

 

(8) In any proceedings under this section the Court shall have full power and exclusive jurisdiction to decide all questions of any nature whatsoever arising thereunder and, in particular, with respect to any property attached under this section, and no other Court shall have jurisdiction to decide any such question in any suit or other legal proceeding.

 

(9) In making any order with respect to the disposal of the property of any private company referred to in clause (b) of sub-section (5), the Court shall have due regard to the interests of all persons interested in such property other than the delinquent and persons referred to in that clause.

 

(10) This section shall apply notwithstanding that the act is one for which the person concerned may be criminally liable.

 

(11) In proceedings under this section the Court shall have all the powers which a Court has under S.237 of the Indian Companies Act, 1913.

 

(12) This section shall apply in respect of a provident society as defined in Part III as it applies in respect of an insurer.

 

(13) On and from the commencement of the Insurance (Second Amendment) Act, 1955, the Court entitled to exercise jurisdiction under this section shall be the High Court within whose jurisdiction the registered office of the insurer is situate (hereinafter referred to as the High Court) and any proceedings under this section pending at such commencement in any Court other than the High Court shall, on such commencement, stand transferred to the High Court.

 

(14) The High Court may make rules providing for-

 

(a) the manner in which enquiries and proceedings may be held under this section;

(b) any other matter for which provision has to be made for enabling the High Court to effectively exercise its jurisdiction under this section].

 

Section 106 Power of Court to order restoration of property of insurer or compensation in certain cases

686[a] Inserted by the Insurance (Amendment) Act. 1940 (20 of 1940). section 14 (10-4-1940).

 

(1) If, on the application of the Controller or an Administrator appointed under section 52A or an insurer or any policy-holder or any member of an insurance company or the liquidator of an insurance company (in the event of the insurance company being in liquidation), the Court is satisfied-

 

(a) that any insurer (including in any case where the insurer is an insurance company any person who has taken part in the promotion or formation of the insurance company or any past or present director, managing agent, manager, secretary or liquidator) or any officer, employee or agent of the insurer.---

(i) has misapplied or retained or become liable or become accountable for any money or property of the insurer: or

(ii) has been guilty of any misfeasance or breach of trust in relation to the insurer; or

 

(b) that any person, whether he is or has been in any way connected with the affairs of the insurer or not, is in wrongful possession of any money or property of the insurer or having any such money or property in his possession wrongfully withholds it or has converted it to any use other than that of ':he insurer or

(c) that by reason of any contravention of the provisions of this Act, the amount of life insurance fund has been diminished; the Court may examine any such insurer, director, managing agent, manager, secretary or liquidator or any such officer, employee or agent of the insurer or such other person, as the case may be, and may compel him to contribute such sums to the assets of the insurer by way of compensation in respect of the misapplication, retainer, misfeasance or breach of trust as the Court thinks fit, or to pay such sum as may be found due from him in respect of any money or property of the insurer for which he is liable or accountable or to restore any money or property of the insurer or any part thereof, as the case may be: and where the amount of the life insurance fund has been diminished by reason of any contravention of the provisions of this Act, the Court shall have power to assess the sum by which the amount of the fund has been diminished and to order the person guilty of such contravention to contribute to the fund the whole or any part of that sum by way of composition: and in any of the aforesaid cases the Court shall have power to order interest to be paid at such rate and from such time as the Court may deem fit.

 

(2) Without prejudice to the provisions contained in sub-section (1) or sub-section (3), where it is proved that any money or property of an insurer has disappeared or has been lost, the Court shall presume that every person in charge of, or having a disposing power over, such money or property at the relevant time (whether a director, manager, principal officer or any other officer) has become accountable for such money or property within the meaning of sub-clause (i) of clause (a) of sub-section (1), and the provisions of that sub-section shall apply accordingly, unless such person proves that the money or property has been utilised or disposed of in the ordinary course of the business of the insurer and for the purpose of that business or that he took all reasonable steps to prevent the disappearance or loss of such money or property or otherwise satisfactorily accounts for such disappearance or loss.

 

(3) Where the insurer is an insurance company and any of the acts referred to in clauses (a), (b) and (c) of sub-section (1) has been committed by any person, every person who was at the relevant time a director, managing agent, manager, liquidator, secretary or other officer of the insurance company shall, for the purposes of that sub-section, be deemed to be liable for that act in the same manner and to the same extent as the person who has committed the act, unless he proves that the act was committee without his consent or connivance and was not facilitated by any neglect or omission on his part.

 

(4) Where at any stage of the proceedings against any person under this section (hereinafter referred to as the delinquent), the Court is satisfied by affidavit or otherwise-

 

(a) that a prima facie case has been made our against the delinquent; and

(b) that it is just and proper so to do in the interests of the policy-holders of an insurer or of the members of an insurance company, the Court may direct the attachment of-

(i) any property of the insurer in the possession of the delinquent;

(ii) any property of the delinquent which belongs to him or is deemed to belong to him within the meaning of sub-section (5);

(iii) any property transferred by the delinquent within two years before the commencement of proceedings under sub-section (1) or during the pendency of such proceedings, if the Court is satisfied by affidavit or otherwise that the transfer was otherwise than in good faith and for consideration.

 

(5) For the purposes of sub-section (4), the following classes of property shall be deemed to belong to a delinquent:-

 

(a) any property standing in the name of any person which by reason of the person being connected with the delinquent, whether by way of relationship or otherwise, or on account of any other relevant circumstances appears to belong to the delinquent;

(b) the property of a private company in respect of the affairs of which the delinquent, by himself or through his nominees, relatives, partners or persons interested in any shares of the company is able to exercise or is entitled to acquire control, whether direct or indirect.

 

(6) Any claim to any property attached under this section or any objection to such attachment shall be made by an application to the Court, and it shall be for the claimant or objector to adduce evidence to show that the property is not liable to attachment under this section, and the Court shall proceed to investigate the claim or objection in a summary manner.

 

(7) When disposing of an application under sub-section (1), the Court shall after giving all persons who appear to it to be interested in any property attached under this section an opportunity of being heard, make such order as it thinks fit respecting the disposal of any such, property for the purpose of effectually enforcing any liability under this section, and all such persons shall be deemed to be parties to the proceedings under this section.

 

(8) In any proceedings under this section the Court shall have full power and exclusive jurisdiction to decide all questions of any nature whatsoever arising thereunder and, in particular, with respect to any property attached under this section, and no other Court shall have jurisdiction to decide any such question in any suit or other legal proceeding.

 

(9) In making any order with respect to the disposal of the property of any private company referred to in clause (b) of sub-section (5), the Court shall have due regard to the interests of all persons interested in such property other than the delinquent and persons referred to in that clause.

 

(10) This section shall apply notwithstanding that the act is one for which the person concerned may be criminally liable.

 

(11) In proceedings under this section the Court shall have all the powers which a Court has under S.237 of the Indian Companies Act, 1913.

 

(12) This section shall apply in respect of a provident society as defined in Part III as it applies in respect of an insurer.

 

(13) On and from the commencement of the Insurance (Second Amendment) Act, 1955, the Court entitled to exercise jurisdiction under this section shall be the High Court within whose jurisdiction the registered office of the insurer is situate (hereinafter referred to as the High Court) and any proceedings under this section pending at such commencement in any Court other than the High Court shall, on such commencement, stand transferred to the High Court.

 

(14) The High Court may make rules providing for-

 

(a) the manner in which enquiries and proceedings may be held under this section;

(b) any other matter for which provision has to be made for enabling the High Court to effectively exercise its jurisdiction under this section].

 

Section 106A Notice to and hearing of Controller

 

(1) When application is made to the Court for the making of any order to which this section applies the Court shall, unless the 712[b] Substituted for "Superintendent of Insurance", by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950 (47 of 1950), S. 4 (1-6-1950). [Controller] has himself made the application or has been made a party thereto, send a copy of the application together with intimation of the date fixed for the hearing thereof to the 713[b] Substituted for "Superintendent of Insurance", by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950 (47 of 1950), S. 4 (1-6-1950). [Controller] and shall give him an opportunity of being heard.

 

(2) The orders to which this section applies are the following, namely:-

 

(a) an order for the attachment in execution of a decree of any deposit made under section 7 or section 98;

(b) an order under section 9 or section 59for the return of any such deposit;

(c) an order under section 36 sanctioning any arrangement for the transfer or amalgamation of life insurance business or any order consequential thereon;

(d) an order for the winding up of an insurance company or a provident society:

(e) an order under section 58 confirming a scheme for the partial winding up of an insurance company;

(f) an order under section 89 reducing the amount of the insurance contracts of a provident society.]

 

Section 107 Previous sanction of Advocate-General for institution of proceedings

687[a] Inserted by Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1968 (62 of 1968), section 35 (1-6-1969).

 

714[a] Sub-sections (1), (2) and (3) were substituted for the original sub-sections (1) and (2) by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1941 (13 of 1941), Section 61 (8-4-1941). [(1)] Except where proceedings are instituted by the 715[b] Substituted for "Superintendent of Insurance", by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950 (47 of 1950), S. 4 (1-6-1950). [Controller] 716[c] 1st January 1942, see Com. Dept. No. 530-I(27)/-41 dated 6th December, 1941 published in Gazette of India, 6-12-1941, Pt. I, p. 1754. [or an Administrator appointed under section 52A], no proceedings under this Act against an insurer or 717[d] Substituted for the words, brackets and figures "any director, manager or other officer of an insurer or any person who is liable under sub-section (2) of section. 41." by the Insurance (Amendment) Act. [any director, managing agent, manager, secretary or other officer of an insurer or any liquidator or any employee or agent of an insurer or any person who is liable under Section 41(2) or any other person] shall be instituted by any person unless he has previous thereto obtained the sanction of the Advocate-General of the 718[e] Substituted for "Province" by A.L.O., 1950. [State] where the principal place of business in 719[f] Substituted for "the States" by the Jammu and Kashmir (Extension of Laws) Act, 1956 (62 of 1956), section 2 and Schedule (1-11-1956). [India] of such insurer is situate to the institution of such proceedings :

 

720[g] Inserted by A.L.O., 1950. [Provided that where the principal place of business of such insurer is situated in a 721[h] Substituted for "Part C State" by 3 A.L.O., 1956. [Union territory] references in this section to the Advocate-General of the Province shall be construed as references to the Attorney-General for India.]

722[i] Inserted by Act 13 of 1941, section 59 (8-4-1941). [(2) This section shall apply in respect of a provident society as defined in Part III as it applies in respect of an insurer.]

 

Section 107A Chairman, etc., to be public servants

 

[. .- Every whole-time Chairman, whole- time director, auditor, liquidator, manager and any other employee of an insurer shall be deemed to be a public servant for the purposes of Chapter IX of the Indian Penal Code.]

 

Section 108 Power of Court to grant relief

 

.- If in any proceedings, civil or criminal, it appears to the Court hearing the case that a person is or may be liable in respect of negligence, default, breach of duty or breach of trust but that he has acted honestly and reasonably and that having regard to all the circumstances of the case he ought fairly to be excused for the negligence, default, breach of duty or breach of trust, the Court may relieve him either wholly or partly from his liability on such terms as it may think fit.

 

Section 109 Cognizance of offences

 

723[a] Sub-sections (1), (2) and (3) were substituted for the original sub-sections (1) and (2) by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1941 (13 of 1941), Section 61 (8-4-1941). [(1) No Court inferior to that of a Presidency Magistrate or a Magistrate of the first class shall try any offence under this Act.

 

724[a] Sub-sections (1), (2) and (3) were substituted for the original sub-sections (1) and (2) by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1941 (13 of 1941), Section 61 (8-4-1941). [(2) No Court shall take cognizance of any offence punishable under section 34B(4) or sub-section (1-A) of section 102 except upon complaint in writing made by an officer of the Central Government generally or specially authorised in writing, in this behalf by the Controller, and no Court inferior to that of a Presidency Magistrate or a Magistrate of the first class shall try any such offence.]

 

Section 110 Appeals

 

(1) An appeal shall lie to the Court having jurisdiction from any of the following orders, namely :-

 

(a) an order under section 3 725[a] Sub-sections (1), (2) and (3) were substituted for the original sub-sections (1) and (2) by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1941 (13 of 1941), Section 61 (8-4-1941). [* * *] cancelling the registration of, an insurer;

(b) an order under section 5 directing the insurer to change his name;

(c) an order under section 42 cancelling the licence issued to an agent;

(d) an order under section 75 refusing to register an amendment of rules;

726[b] Substituted for "Superintendent of Insurance", by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950 (47 of 1950), S. 4 (1-6-1950). [(e) an order under section 87 or section 87A;]

(f) an order made in the course in the winding up or insolvency of an insurer or a provident society.

 

(2) The Court having jurisdiction for the purposes of sub-section (1) shall be the principal Court of civil jurisdiction within whose local limits the principal place of business of the insurer concerned is situate.

 

(3) An appeal shall lie from any order made under sub-section (1) to the authority authorized to hear appeals from the decisions of the Court making the same and the decision on such appeal shall be final.

 

727[c] 1st January 1942, see Com. Dept. No. 530-I(27)/-41 dated 6th December, 1941 published in Gazette of India, 6-12-1941, Pt. I, p. 1754. [(4) No appeal under this section shall be entertained unless it is made before the expiration of four months from the date on which the order appealed against was communicated to the appellant.]

 

Section 110A Delegation of powers and duties of Controller

688[a] See footnote [a] under S. 110A.

 

[. .- The 729[b] Substituted for "Superintendent of Insurance", by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950 (47 of 1950), S. 4 (1-6-1950). [Controller] may by general or special order delegate any of his powers or duties under this Act to any person subordinate to him. The exercise or discharge of any of the powers or duties so delegated shall be subject to such restrictions, limitations and conditions, if any, as the 730[b] Substituted for "Superintendent of Insurance", by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950 (47 of 1950), S. 4 (1-6-1950). [Controller] may impose, and shall be subject to his control and revision.]

 

Section 110B Signature of documents

689[a] Inserted by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950 (47 of 1950), S. 59 (1-6-1950).

 

[. .- Every document which is required by this Act or by any rule made thereunder to be signed by the 731[b] Substituted for "Superintendent of Insurance", by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950 (47 of 1950), S. 4 (1-6-1950). [Controller] or by any person subordinate to him or by any officer authorized by him under sub-section (1) of section 42 shall be deemed to be properly signed, if it bears a facsimile of the signature of such [Controller], person or officer printed, engraved, lithographed or impressed by any of other mechanical process approved by the Central Government.]

 

Section 110C Power to call for information

690[a] Sections 110D to 110H inserted by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1968 (62 of 1968), S. 37 (1-6-1969).

 

(1) The Controller may, by notice in writing, require any insurer to supply him with any information relating to his insurance business, and the insurer shall comply with such requirement within such period after receipt of the notice as may be specified therein.

 

(2) Any information supplied under this section shall be certified by a principal officer of the insurer and if the notice so requires also by an auditor.]

Section 110D Certain claims for compensation barred

 

[. .- No person shall have any right, whether in contract or otherwise, to any compensation for any loss incurred by reason of the operation of any of the provisions contained in section 34 or section 34A or section 34E or section 37A or by reason of the compliance by an insurer with any order or direction given to him under this Act.

 

Section 110E Sections 3A, 27B, 28B, 33 etc., to apply to general insurance business of the Life Insurance Corporation of India

 

. .- Notwithstanding anything contained in the Life Insurance Corporation Act, 1956, the provisions of sections 3A, S.27B of the Life Insurance Corporation Act, 1956, S.28B of the Life Insurance Corporation Act, 1956, S.33 of the Life Insurance Corporation Act, 1956,S.44 of the Life Insurance Corporation Act, 1956, clause (a) of Sections 34E, S.34F of the Life Insurance Corporation Act, 1956, S.40C of the Companies Act, 1956, Section 44A, S.64U of the Companies Act, 1956 to S.64UM of the Companies Act, 1956 (both inclusive), S.64V of the Companies Act, 1956, S.64VA of the Life Insurance Corporation Act, 1956, S.64VB of the Life Insurance Corporation Act, 1956, S.64VC of the Companies Act, 1956, S.101A of the Companies Act, 1956, S.101C of the Life Insurance Corporation Act, 1956, Section 11OD, S.110G of the Life Insurance Corporation Act, 1956 and S.110H of the Life Insurance Corporation Act, 1956 shall also apply, so far as may be, to and in relation to the general insurance business carried on by the Life Insurance Corporation of India and the provisions of section 37A shall also to that Corporation if it becomes an acquiring insurer.

 

Section 110F Provisions applicable to State Governments etc

 

. .- The provisions of sections 3, S.3A of the Companies Act, 1956, S.27B of the Life Insurance Corporation Act, 1956, 28B, 33, 34, clause (a) of sections S.34E of the Companies Act, 1956, Section 34F, S.40A of the Companies Act, 1956, S.40C of the Companies Act, 1956, S.44A of the Companies Act, 1956, S.64U of the Companies Act, 1956 to S.64UM of the Companies Act, 1956 (both inclusive) S.64V of the Companies Act, 1956, S.64VA of the Life Insurance Corporation Act, 1956, S.64VB of the Life Insurance Corporation Act, 1956, S.64VC of the Companies Act, 1956 and S.101A of the Companies Act, 1956, S.101C of the Life Insurance Corporation Act, 1956, S.101D of the Companies Act, 1956, S.110G of the Life Insurance Corporation Act, 1956 and S.110H of the Life Insurance Corporation Act, 1956 shall, notwithstanding any exemption granted under section 118, also apply, so far as may be, to and in relation to the general insurance business carried on by a State Government or a Government company as defined in S.617 of the Companies Act, 1956.

 

Section 110G Constitution of Consultative Committee

 

(1) The Central Government shall constitute a Consultative Committee consisting of the Controller (who shall be the Chairman thereof) and not more than four other members having special knowledge and experience of the business of insurance.

 

(2) The term of office of, and the allowances payable to the members of the Consultative Committee, the procedure to be followed by, and the quorum necessary for the transaction of business of the Consultative Committee and the manner of filling casual vacancies therein shall be such as may be prescribed.

 

(3) Before making any order under section 34, Section 34A, 34B, Section 34C, Section 34E, Section 34F, Section 34G, sub- sections (4) and (7) of section 64UM andSection 64VC, the Controller shall consult the Consultative Committee constituted under sub-section (1).

 

Section 110H Appeals

 

(1) Any person aggrieved by any order made by the Controller under section 34, Section 34A, Section 34B, Section 34C, Section 34E, Section 34F, Section 34G, sub-sections (1), (4) and (7) of section 64UMor section 64VC may, within a period of thirty days from the date of such order, prefer an appeal against such order to the Central Government and that Government may, by order, confirm, modify or reverse the order made by the Controller and the order so made by the Central Government shall be final.

 

(2) No claim for compensation shall lie in favour of any person for anything done in pursuance of an order of the Controller so tong as such order was effective.

 

(3) The Central Government may, on the application of an appellant, stay, until the decision of the appeal, the operation of any order made under section 34 or sub-section (5) of section 34B or sub-clause (v) of clause (b) of section 34E.]

 

Section 111 Service of notices

 

(1) Any process or notice required to be served on an insurer or provident society shall be sufficiently served if addressed to any person registered with the 732[a] Sub-sections (1), (2) and (3) were substituted for the original sub-sections (1) and (2) by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1941 (13 of 1941), Section 61 (8-4-1941). [Controller] as a person authorized to accept notices on behalf of the insurer or provident society and left at, or sent by registered post to, the address of such person as registered with the 733[a] Sub-sections (1), (2) and (3) were substituted for the original sub-sections (1) and (2) by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1941 (13 of 1941), Section 61 (8-4-1941). [Controller].

 

(2) Any notice or other document which is by this Act required to be sent to any policy-holder may be addressed and sent to the person to whom notices respecting such policy are usually sent and any notice so addressed and sent shall be deemed to be notice to the holder of such policy:

 

Provided that, where any person claiming to be interested in a policy as transferee, assignee or nominee has given to an insurer or to a provident society notice in-writing of his interest, any notice which is by this Act required to be sent to policy-holders shall also be sent to such person at the address specified by him in his notice.

 

Section 112 Declaration of interim bonuses

 

. .- Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Act an insurer carrying on the business of life insurance shall be at liberty to declare an interim bonus or bonuses to policy holders whose policies mature for payment by reason of death or otherwise during the inter valuation period on the recommendation of the investigating actuary made at the last preceding valuation.

 

Section 113 Acquisition of surrender values by policy

 

. .- [A policy of life insurance under which the whole of the benefits become payable either on the occurrence, or at a fixed interval or fixed intervals after the occurrence, of a contingency which is bound to happen, shall, if all premiums have been paid for at least three consecutive years in the case of a policy issued by an insurer or five years in the case of a policy issued by a provident society as defined in Part III acquire a guaranteed surrender value, to which shall be added the surrender value of any subsisting bonus already attached to the policy, and every such policy issued by an insurer shall show the guaranteed surrender value of the policy at the close of each year after the second year of its currency or at the close of each period of three years throughout the currency of the policy: Provided that the requirements of this sub-section as to the addition of the surrender value of the bonus attaching to a policy at surrender shall be deemed to have been complied with where the method of calculation of the guaranteed surrender value of the policy makes provisions for the surrender value of the bonus attaching to the policy: Provided further that the requirements of this sub-section as to the showing of the guaranteed surrender value on a policy shall be deemed to have been complied with where the insurer shows on the policy the guaranteed surrender value of the policy by means of a formula accepted in this behalf by the 734[b] Substituted for "Superintendent of Insurance", by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950 (47 of 1950), S. 4 (1-6-1950). [Controller] as satisfying the said requirements: Provided further that the provisions of this sub-section as to the showing of the guaranteed surrender value on a policy shall not take effect until after the expiry of six months from such 735[c] 1st January 1942, see Com. Dept. No. 530-I(27)/-41 dated 6th December, 1941 published in Gazette of India, 6-12-1941, Pt. I, p. 1754. date as the Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, appoint in this behalf.

(2) Notwithstanding any contract to the contrary, a policy which has acquired a surrender value shall not lapse by reason of the non-payment of further premiums but shall be kept alive to the extent of the paid-up sum insured, and the paid-up sum insured shall for the purposes of this sub-section include in full all subsisting reversionary bonuses that have already attached to the policy, and shall, where the policy is one on which the maximum number of annual premiums payable is fixed and the premiums are of uniform amount, be before the inclusion of such bonuses not less than amount bearing to the Total sum insured by the policy exclusive of bonuses the same proportion as the total period for which premiums have already been paid bears to the maximum period for which premiums were originally payable.

 

(3) A policy kept alive to the extent of the paid-up sum insured under sub-section (2) shall not be entitled by virtue of that sub-section to participate in any profits declared distributable after the conversion of the policy into a paid-up policy.]

 

736[a] Original sub-section (3) was renumbered as sub-section (4) by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1941 (13 of 1941), S. 61 (8-4-1941). [(4)] [Sub-section (2) and Sub-sec. (3) shall not apply]- 737[c] Original clause (a) was omitted, by the Insurance (Amendment) Act. [ * * * * * * ]

 

738[d] Substituted, by the Insurance (Amendment) Act. [(a) where the paid-up sum insured by a policy, being a policy issued by an insurer, is less than one hundred rupees inclusive of any attached bonus, or takes the form of an annuity of less than twenty-five rupees, or where the paid-up sum insured by a policy, being a policy issued by a provident society as defined in Part III, is less than fifty rupees inclusive of any attached bonus or takes the form of an annuity of less than twenty-five rupees, or]

739[e] Original clauses (c) and (d) re-lettered as (b) and (c), respectively, by the Insurance (Amendment) Act. [(b)] where the parties after the default has occurred in the payment of the premium agree in writing to some other arrangement, or

740[e] Original clauses (c) and (d) re-lettered as (b) and (c), respectively, by the Insurance (Amendment) Act. [(c) to policies in which the surrender value is automatically applied under the terms of the contract to maintaining the policy in force after its lapse through non-payment of premium.

 

Section 113(1), Provisos.- "We have added three provisos to sub-section (1), the first to cover diverse methods of calculating the surrender values of with-profit policies, the second to cover cases in which a formula employed by insurers offers an acceptable alternative to the quotation of the surrender values at fixed intervals of time, and the third to defer the application of the sub-section for a time sufficient to enable insurers to prepare the new forms and documents necessitated by the provision now made."-S.C.R. Gazette of India 1961, Pt. V, page 79.

 

Section 114 Power of Central Government to make rules

 

(1) The Central Government may, subject to the condition of previous publication by notification in the Official Gazette, make rules 741[a] See Insurance Rules, 1939, Com. Dept. No. 597-I-(l) 38, Gazette of India, 3-6-1939. to carry out the purposes of the Act.

 

(2) In particular and without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing power, such rules may prescribe-

 

(a)742 In Section 114, sub-section (2) clause (a) shall be omitted by Insurance (Amendment) Act, 2002 (42 of 2002), published in the Gazette of India, Extra., Part 11, Section 1[* * * * *]

743[b] Substituted by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1941 (13 of 1941), S. 62 (8-4-1941). [(b) the manner in which it shall be determined which of the transactions of an insurer are to be deemed for the purposes of this Act to be insurance business transacted

744[c] The words "in India or" were omitted by the Jammu and Kashmir (Extension of Laws) Act, 1956 (42 of 1956), S. 2 and Schedule (1-11-1956). [* * *] in 745[d] Substituted for "the States", by the Insurance (Amendment) Act. [India] 746[e] The words "as the case may be" were omitted, by the Insurance (Amendment) Act. [* * *;] (c) the procedure to be followed by the Reserve Bank of India in dealing with deposits made in pursuance of this Act, including the receipt of, custody of, withdrawal of, and payment of interest on securities togged as such deposits, and their inspection and verification by the 747[f] Substituted for "Superintendent of Insurance" by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950 (47 of 1950), S. 4 (1-6-1950). [Controller];

(d) the form referred to in clause (d) of Section 16(2);

(e) the manner in which the prospectuses and tables referred to in section 41(1) shall be published and the form in which they shall be drawn up;

(f) the matters to be prescribed for the purposes of section 48;

(g) the manner in which licences to act as insurance agents may be [applied for,] issued or cancelled;

(h) the contingencies other than those specified in clauses (a) to (f) of 748[h] Inserted, by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1940 (20 of 1940), S. 16 (10-4-1940). [section 65(2) on the happening of which money may be paid by provident societies;

(i) the matters other than those specified in clauses (a) to (o) of section 74(1) on which a provident society shall make rules;

(j) the form of any account, return or register required by Part III and the manner in which such account, return or register shall be verified;

(k) subject to the provisions of this Act, the fees payable thereunder and the manner in which they are to be collected; 749[i] The word "and" was omitted, by the Insurance (Amendment) Act. [* * *]

(l) the conditions and the matters which may be prescribed under sub-sections (5), 750[j] Inserted, by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1939 (I I of 1939), S. 32. [(6)], (10) and (12) of section 92; 751[k] Inserted by Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1961 (11of 1961), S. 3 (1-4-1961). [(ll) the term of office of, and the allowances payable to, members of the Advisory Committee constituted under section 11 OB, the procedure to be followed by, and the quorum necessary for the transaction of business of, the Committee and the manner of filling casual vacancies therein;]

752[l] Proviso was omitted by Act 20 of 1940, S. 16 (10-4-1940). [(m) any other matter which is to be or may be prescribed.] (1) 753[l] Proviso was omitted by Act 20 of 1940, S. 16 (10-4-1940). [* * * * *]]

 

754[a] Substituted for former section (3) by Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1961 (11 of 1961), S. 3 (1-4-1961). [((3) Every rule made under this section shall be laid as soon as may be after it is made, before each House of Parliament while it is in session for a total period of thirty days which may be comprised in one session or in two successive sessions, and if before the expiry of the session in which it is so laid or the session immediately following both Houses agree in making any modification in the rule or both Houses agree that the rule should not be made, the rule shall, thereafter, have effect only in such modified form or be of no effect, as the case may be, so, however, that any such modification or annulment shall be without prejudice to the validity of anything previously done under that rule.]

 

755[a] The original sub-section (3) was renumbered as (4) by Act 20 of 1940, S. 16 (10-4-1940). [(4)] All rules made by a Local Government under the provisions of S.24 of the Provident Insurance Societies Act, 1912, and in force at the commencement of this Act shall so far as not inconsistent with the provisions of Part III continue in force and have effect as if duly made under this section until they are replaced by rules made under this section.

 

Section 115 Alteration of forms

 

. .- The Central Government may, on the application or with the consent of an insurer, not being a company, alter the forms contained in the Schedules as respects that insurer, for the purpose of adapting them to the circumstances of that insurer: Provided that nothing done under this section shall exempt the insurer from supplying all information required under this Act so far as it is possible for the insurer to do so.

 

Section 116 Power to exempt from certain requirements

691[a] Sub-sections (1), (2) and (3) were substituted for the original sub-sections (1) and (2) by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1941 (13 of 1941), Section 61 (8-4-1941).

[(1)] The Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, exempt any insurer constituted, incorporated or domiciled in 756[b] Substituted for "a Part B State", by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950 (47 of 1950), S. 60 (1-6-1950). [any country or State outside 757[c] Substituted for "the State" by the Jammu and Kashmir (Extension of Laws) Act, 1956 (62 of 1956), S. 2 and Schedule (1-11-1956). [India] ] 758[d] Substituted for certain words by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1940 (20 of 1940), S. 17 (10-4-1940). [from any of the provisions of this Act may be specified in the notification] either absolutely or subject to such conditions or modifications as may be specified in the notification. 759[e] The Proviso was omitted, by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950 (47 of 1950), S. 60 (1-6-1950). [ * * * * *]

 

760[f] Inserted by Act 13 of 1941, S. 63 (8-4-1941). (2) This section shall apply in respect of provident societies as defined in Part III as it applies in respect of insurers.]

 

Section 116A Summary of returns to be published

 

. .- The Central Government shall every year cause to be published in such manner as it may direct a summary of the accounts, balance sheets, statements, abstracts and other returns under this Act or purporting to be under this Act which have been furnished in pursuance of the provisions of this Act to the 761[b] Substituted for "Superintendent of Insurance", by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950 (47 of 1950), S. 4 (1-6-1950). [Controller] during the year preceding, the year of publication, and may append to such summary any note of the 762[b] Substituted for "Superintendent of Insurance", by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950 (47 of 1950), S. 4 (1-6-1950). [Controller] or of the Central Government and any correspondence: Provided that nothing in this section shall require the publication of the 763[c] Substituted for "statements" by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1946 (6 of 1946), S. 47 (20-3-1946). [statement referred to in sub-section (2) of section 10 or the returns] referred to in section 28(1)764[d] Inserted by Act 13 of 1941, S. 65 (8-4-1941).[ 765[e] Substituted for "section 28A" by Act 62 of 1968, S. 38 (1-6-1969). [section 28A orSection 28B] or the statements referred to in section 31B(2)or section 40B].]

 

Section 117 Saving of provisions of Indian Companies Act, 1913

 

..- Nothing in this Act shall affect the liability of an insurer being a company 766[a] Inserted by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1941 (13 of 1941), S. 65 (8-4-1941). [or a provident society as defined in Part III being a company] to comply with the provisions of the Companies Act, 1913, in matters not otherwise specifically provided for by this Act.

 

Section 118 Explanation

 

[. .- Nothing in this Act shall apply-

(a) to any trade union registered under the Trade Unions Act, 1926; or

 

(b) to any provident fund to which the provisions of the Provident Funds Act, 1925, apply; or

 

(c) if the Central Government so orders in any case, and to such extent or subject to such conditions or modifications as may be specified in the order, to any insurance business carried on by the Central Government or a State Government or a Government company as defined in S.617 of the Companies Act, 1956; or

 

(d) if the Controller so orders in any case, and to such extent or subject to such conditions or modifications as may be specified in the order, to-

 

(i) any approved superannuation fund as defined in clause (a) of section 58N of the Indian Income-tax Act, 1922; or

(ii) any fund in existence and officially recognised by the Central Government before the 27th day of January, 1937, maintained by or on behalf of Government servants or Government pensioners for the mutual benefit of contributors to the fund and of their dependants; or

(iii) any mutual or provident insurance society composed wholly of Government servants or of railway servants which has been exempted from any or all of the provisions of the Provident Insurance Societies Act, 1912;] 768[b] Inserted by Regn. 12 of 1962, S. 2 and Schedule. [or

(iv) any fund in existence in the Union territory of Goa, Daman and Diu on 20th-/ December 1961 and maintained by or on behalf of Government servants or Government pensioners or on behalf of employees of any autonomous body and intended for the mutual benefit of contributors to the Fund for any other purpose.]

 

Section 119 Inspection and supply of copies of published prospectus, etc

 

769[a] Substituted by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1941 (13 of 1941), S. 67 (8-4-1941).Any person may on payment of a fee of five rupees inspect the documents filed by an insurer with the 770[b] Substituted for "Superintendent of Insurance", by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 1950 (47 of 1950), S. 4 (1-6-1950). [Controller] under clause (f) of Section 3(2), and may obtain a copy of any such document or part thereof on payment in advance at the prescribed rate for the making of the copy.]

 

Section 120 Determination of market value of securities deposited under this Act

 

.- The market value on the day of deposit of securities deposited in pursuance of any of the provisions of this Act with the Reserve Bank of India shall be determined by the Reserve Bank of India whose decision shall be final.

 

Section 121 Amendment of section 130, Act 4 of 1882

 

.- [Repealed by the Repealing and A mending Act, 1957 (36 of 1957), S.2 and Schedule I (17-9-1957).]

 

Section 122 Amendment of Schedule I, Act 9 of 1908

 

.- [Repealed by the Repealing and Amending Act, 1957 (36 of 1957), S. 2 and Schedule I (17-9-1957).]

 

Section 123 Repeals

 

.- [Repealed by the Repealing and Amending Act, 1957 (36 of 1957), S. 2 and Schedule I (17-9-1957).]

 

SCHEDULE 1 REGULATIONS AND FORMS FOR THE PREPARATION OF BALANCE-SHEET

 

(See section 11) 771 Schedules 1,2,3 and 4 shall be omitted by Insurance (Amendment) Act, 2002 (42 of 2002), published in the Gazette of India, Extra., Part 11, Section 1[* * * * *] 

 

SCHEDULE 2 REGULATIONS AND FORMS FOR THE PREPARATIONS OF PROFIT AND LOSS ACCOUNTS

 

(See section 1) 772 Schedules 1,2,3 and 4 shall be omitted by Insurance (Amendment) Act, 2002 (42 of 2002), published in the Gazette of India, Extra., Part 11, Section 1[* * * * * *] 

 

SCHEDULE 3 REGULATIONS AND FORMS FOR THE ^REPARATION OF REVENUE ACCOUNTS

 

(See section 11) 773 Schedules 1,2,3 and 4 shall be omitted by Insurance (Amendment) Act, 2002 (42 of 2002), published in the Gazette of India, Extra., Part 11, Section 1[* * * * * * * *] 

 

SCHEDULE 4 REGULATIONS FOR THE PREPARATION OF ABSTRACTS OF ACTUARIES REPORTS AND REQUIREMENTS APPLICABLE TO SUCH ABSTRACTS

 

THE SCHEDULE (See section 13) 774 Schedules 1,2,3 and 4 shall be omitted by Insurance (Amendment) Act, 2002 (42 of 2002), published in the Gazette of India, Extra., Part 11, Section 1[* * * * * * *] 

 

SCHEDULE 5 REGULATIONS FOR PREPARING STATEMENTS OF BUSINESS IN FORCE AND REQUIREMENTS APPLICABLE TO SUCH STATEMENTS

 

THE SCHEDULE (See section 13) PART 1 REGULATIONS

 

Section 1 .

 

Statements prepared under this Schedule must be prepared, so far as practicable, in tabular form and must be identified by numbers and letters corresponding with those of the paragraphs of Part II of this Schedule.

 

Section 2 .

 

Except with respect to rates of premium or contribution, items in statements prepared under this Schedule are to be shown to the nearest rupee.

 

Section 3 .

 

Extra premium shown in the forms of Summary and Valuation prepared under the Fourth Schedule to this Act must not be included in statements prepared under this Schedule.

 

Section 4 .

 

Every statement prepared under this schedule shall be signed by the actuary making the investigation in connection with which it is prepared.

 

Section 5 .

 

For the purposes of this Schedule the following expressions have the meanings hereby respectively assigned to them, namely:-

(a) "annual loading" means the provision made for future expenses and profits;

 

(b) "extra premiums" means a charge for any risk not provided for in the minimum contract premium;

 

(c) "net premiums" means the premiums taken credit for in the valuation in connection with which any statement is prepared; and

 

(d) "valuation date" means as respects any valuation the date as at which the valuation is made.

 

 

PART 2 REQUIREMENTS FOR STATEMENTS APPLICABLE TO LIFE INSURANCE

 

PART The statements required to be prepared under this Part of this Schedule are as follows, namely:- 1. Statements, separately prepared in respect of policies with and without participation in profits showing:- (a) as respects policies for the whole term of life, the rates of office premiums charged, in accordance with the published tables in use, for new policies giving the rates for decennial ages at entry from 20 to 70 inclusive; and (b) as respects endowment insurance policies, the rates of office premiums charged in accordance with the published tables in use, for new policies with original terms of ten, fifteen, twenty, thirty and forty years, giving the rates for decennial ages at entry from 20 to 40 inclusive, but excluding policies under which the age at maturity exceeds 60. 2. Statements, separately prepared in respect of policies with immediate profits, with deferred profits, with profits under discounted bonus systems, and without profits, showing in quinquennial groups- (a) as respects policies for the whole term of life- (i) the total amount assured (specifying sums assured and reversionary bonuses separately), grouped according to ages attained; (ii) the amount per annum, after deducting abatements made by the application of bonus, of office premiums payable throughout life, and of the corresponding net premiums, grouped according to ages attained; and (iii) the amount per annum, after deducting abatements made by application of bonus, of office premiums payable for a limited number of years, and either, the corresponding net premiums grouped in accordance with the grouping adopted for the purposes of valuation, or the annual loading reserved for the remaining duration of the policies, grouped according to ages attained; (b) as respects endowment insurance policies- (i) the total amount assured (specifying sums assured and reversionary bonuses separately), grouped in accordance with the grouping adopted for the purposes of the valuation; and (ii) the amount per annum, after deducting abatements made by application of bonus, of office premiums payable, and of the corresponding net premiums, grouped in accordance with the grouping adopted for the purposes of the valuation: Provided that- (a) as respects endowment insurance policies which will reach maturity in less than five years, the information required by sub-paragraph (b)(i) of this paragraph must be given for each year instead of in quinquennial group; and (b) where the office premiums payable under policies for the whole term of life for a limited number of years, or the office premiums payable under endowment insurance policies, or the corresponding net premiums, are grouped for the purposes of the valuation otherwise than according to the number of years' payments remaining to be made, or, where the sums assured under endowment insurance policies are grouped for the purposes of the valuation otherwise than according to the years in which the policies will mature for payment or in which they are assumed to mature if earlier than the true year, then, in any such case the valuation constants and an explanation of the method by which they are calculated must be given for each group, and in the case of the sums assured under endowment insurance policies a statement must also be given of the amount assured maturing for payment in each of the two years following the valuation date. 3. Statements as respects any policies in force under which premiums cease to be payable, whether permanently or temporarily, during disability arising from sickness or accident, showing the total amount of the office premiums payable. 4. Statements as respects immediate annuities on single lives for the whole term of life, separately prepared in respect of annuities on male and female lives, showing quinquennial age groups the total amount of such annuities. 5. Statements as respects deferred annuities, separately prepared in respect of annuities on male and female lives, showing the specimen reserve values for annuities of one hundred rupees which will be produced on maturity on the basis of valuation adopted at ages, in the case of male lives, 60 and 65, and in the case of female lives, 55 and 60; the said statements must show the specimen reserve values which will be produced under the table of annual premiums in use for new policies, and if under any other table of annual premiums in use for any other deferred annuity policies in force smaller reserve values will be produced, the like specimens of these must also be given. 6. Statements as respects any policies of insurance upon the lives of a group of persons, whereby sums assured are payable in respect of the several persons included in the group, showing the total claims paid since the date as at which the last statements were prepared under this Part of this Schedule or, where no such statements have been prepared, since the date on which the insurer began to carry on the class of business of which the statements relate, and the reserve for unexpired risks and outstanding claims.

 

SCHEDULE 6 SCHEDULE

 

PART A TERMS DEEMED TO BE INCLUDED IN EVERY CONTRACT BETWEEN AN INSURER CARRYING ON GENERAL INSURANCE BUSINESS AND A PRINCIPAL AGENT

 

PART [See section 42B (1)] 1. All payments of commission to insurance agents shall be made by the principal, agent on behalf of the insurer. 2. The principal agent shall procure or cause to be procured through insurance agents such an amount of general insurance business of any class for the procurement of which he has been appointed, as will yield a gross premium income of not less than twenty thousand rupees in each calendar year. 3. In the event of the principal agent failing in any calendar year to comply with the requirements of clause 2, he shall forfeit to the insurer - (i) one-quarter of the total remuneration payable to him by the insurer for that year, if the class of business for the procurement of which he has been appointed is fire or miscellaneous insurance business, or (ii) one-third of the total remuneration payable to him by the insurer for that year, if the class of business for the procurement of which he has been appointed is marine insurance business. 4. In the event of the principal agent failing to comply with the requirements of clause 2 in any two successive calendar years, the contract shall, without prejudice to the provisions of clause 3, terminate on the 31st day of March immediately following the second calendar year. 5. Except in cases where the business relates to any property under his immediate control, a principal agent shall not by himself procure any class of general insurance business without utilising the services of an insurance agent.]

 

PART B TERMS DEEMED TO BE INCLUDED IN EVERY CONTRACT BETWEEN AN INSURER CARRYING ON LIFE INSURANCE BUSINESS AND A CHIEF AGENT

 

PART [See Section 42C (1)] 1. All payments of commission to insurance agents shall be made by the insurer direct or by the chief agent, who may make the payment either directly or through a special agent on behalf of the insurer. 2. The Chief agent shall employ or cause to be employed for and on behalf of the insurer either directly or through special agents at least six insurance agents in cases where the business in force of the insurer is less than one crore of rupees and in any other case at least twelve agents each of whom will procure in each calendar year new business amounting to not less than ten thousand rupees. 3. Save as provided in respect of cases specified in clause 7 of this Part. the remuneration payable to the chief agent in respect of life insurance business effected through him for the insurer shall only be in the form of an overriding commission. 4. In the event of the chief agent failing in two successive calendar years to comply with the requirements of clause 2, he shall forfeit to the insurer one-half of the total remuneration payable to him by the insurer for those years. 5. In the event of the chief agent failing to comply with the requirements of clause 2 in four successive calendar years, the contract shall, without prejudice to the provisions of clause 4, terminate on the 31st day of March immediately following the last of such calendar years. 6. Not more than one intermediary to be remunerated by the insurer concerned, whether on a salary basis or by way of commission, shall be employed between the chief agent and any insurance agent, but the chief agent may employ as many persons as he thinks fit on a salary basis provided such salaries are paid out of his overriding commission. 7. In cases where the commission payable on a policy of life insurance effected through an insurance agent working under a chief agent is stopped on or after the 1 st day of January, 1949 and not paid to the insurance agent, an amount not exceeding one-quarter of such commission payable to the insurance agent concerned shall also be payable to the chief agent, if he continues to render service in connection with that policy and if such commission is otherwise payable to him.

 

PART C TERMS DEEMED TO BE INCLUDED IN EVERY CONTRACT BETWEEN AN INSURER, CARRYING ON LIFE INSURANCE BUSINESS AND A SPECIAL AGENT OR BETWEEN A CHIEF AGENT AND A, SPECIAL AGENT

 

PART [See Section 42C(4)] 1. All payments of commission to insurance agents shall be made by the insurer direct or, or. behalf of the insurer, either by the chief agent under whom the special agent is working or by the special agent. 2. The special agent shall employ at least two insurance agents and shall procure or cause to be procured through insurance agents employed under him in each calendar year new business amounting to not less than fifty thousand rupees assured on which at least the first year's premiums have been paid in full. 3. In the event of the special agent failing in any calendar year to comply with the requirements of clause 2, he shall forfeit to the insurer fifty per cent. of the total remuneration payable to him by the insurer, or as the case may be, by the chief agent for that year. 4. In the event of the special agent failing to comply with the requirements of clause 2 in two successive calendar years, the contract shall, without prejudice to the provisions of clause 3 of this Part terminate on the 31 st day of March immediately following the second calendar year. 5. In the event of the special agent procuring life insurance business without utilising the services of an insurance agent, the special agent shall be entitled only to the commission that is ordinarily payable in respect of business so procured to an insurance agent. 6. The remuneration payable to the special agent in respect of policies of life insurance procured by him through insurance agents shall only be in the form of an overriding commission.

 

SCHEDULE 7 RULES AS TO THE VALUATION OF THE LIABILITIES OF AN INSURER IN INSOLVENCY OR LIQUIDATION

 

[THE SCHEDULE] (See section 55) The Liabilities of an insurer in respect of current contracts effected in the course of life insurance business including annuity business, shall be calculated by the method and upon the basis to be determined by an actuary approved by the Court, and the actuary so approved shall, in determining as aforesaid, take into account - (a) the purpose for which such valuation is to be made; (b) the rate of interest, and the rates of mortality and sickness to be used in valuation; and (c) any special directions which may be given by the Court. The liabilities of an insurer in respect of current policies other than life policies shall be such portion of the last premium paid as is proportionate to the unexpired portion of the policy in respect of which the premium was paid. 

 

SCHEDULE 8 PRINCIPLES OF COMPENSATION 

 

THE SCHEDULE (See section 52J) The compensation to be given under section 52J shall be an amount equal to the value of the assets of the acquired insurer as on the day immediately before the appointed day, computed in accordance with the provisions of Part I of this Schedule less the total amount of liabilities thereof as on that day, computed in accordance with the provisions of Part II of this Schedule. PART I ASSETS For the purposes of this Part, "value of assets" means the total of the following:- (a) the market value of any land or buildings; (b) the market value of any securities, shares, debentures, bonds and other investment held by the acquired insurer. (c) the total amount of the premiums paid by the acquired insurer in respect of all leasehold properties, reduced in the case of each such premium by an amount which bears to such premium the same proportion as the expired term of the lease in respect of which such premium shall have been paid bears to the total term of the lease; (d) the written down value as per books or the realisable value, as may be considered reasonable, of all furniture, fixtures and fittings; (e) the amount of debts due to the insurer, whether secured or unsecured, to the extent to which they are reasonably considered to be recoverable; (f) the amount of cash held by the insurer, whether in deposit with a bank or otherwise; (g) the market or realisable value, as may be appropriate, of other assets appearing on the books of the insurer, no value being allowed for capitalised expenses, such as share-selling commission, organisational expenses and brokerage, losses incurred and similar other items.