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Issues Involved:
The issues involved in this case include insurable interest in a vessel, liability of an insurance company, rights of a mortgagee in an insurance claim, jurisdiction of the National Consumer Dispute Redressal Commission, and interpretation of relevant legal provisions. Insurable Interest and Liability of Insurance Company: The case involved a dispute where the insurance company refused to pay the insurance amount to the purchaser of a vessel, claiming he had no insurable interest. The National Consumer Commission found that the purchaser had insurable interest as he was in possession of the vessel and had insured it, directing the insurance company to pay the amount due under the policy with interest. Rights of Mortgagee in Insurance Claim: The Gujarat Maritime Board, as the mortgagee of the vessel, objected to the direction of the Commission to pay the entire insurance amount to the purchaser. The Board argued that it had an interest in the vessel and should be considered in the insurance claim. The Commission initially stayed its order but later directed the full payment to the purchaser, prompting the Board to appeal. Jurisdiction of the National Consumer Commission: The question arose whether the Commission had the jurisdiction to decide the conflicting claims of the mortgagee and the purchaser under the Consumer Protection Act, 1986. The Supreme Court held that the Commission had the power to adjudicate such disputes as incidental to its substantive jurisdiction under the Act. Interpretation of Legal Provisions: The Supreme Court interpreted the relevant legal provisions to determine the powers of the National Commission in deciding disputes under the Consumer Protection Act. It emphasized that the Commission had the authority to adjudicate rival claims and decide disputes where multiple parties sought the same relief. In conclusion, the Supreme Court allowed the appeal, setting aside the Commission's orders and remitting the matter for fresh disposal according to law, without expressing any opinion on the merits of the case. The Court clarified that its observations served as reasons for the order and not as findings on the claims of the parties involved.
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