The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) announced on 29 October 2026 that November would be observed as Grievance Resolution Month. The initiative aims to speed up fair and meaningful resolution of pending policyholder grievances, especially long-standing disputes.
Backlog and measures for insurers
As of 31 March 2026, about 2.21 lakh cases were pending before Consumer Commissions and judicial courts across India; 72.49% had remained pending for more than a year. Around 11 lakh cases were also pending before Motor Accidents Claims Tribunals.
Insurers have been advised to review pending matters, prioritise older cases, settle litigation where legally and factually sustainable, comply promptly with Insurance Ombudsman awards and expedite cases before other forums. They are also to strengthen litigation management and address recurring causes of complaints through corrective and preventive measures. The aim is not simply to increase disposals, but to secure fair and sustainable outcomes and rebuild policyholder trust.
The Life Insurance Council, General Insurance Council and Council for Insurance Ombudsmen will support the initiative by sensitising member insurers. IRDAI, the Councils and State-wise lead insurers will organise nationwide outreach, with emphasis on Tier-II and Tier-III cities where access to grievance redressal is limited.
Important Facts for Exams
- Parliamentary basis: An Act of Parliament constituted IRDAI, giving the authority a specific statutory foundation for its regulatory role.
- Policyholder protection: Section 14 of the IRDAI Act includes protecting policyholder interests among the authority’s functions.
- Membership structure: IRDAI has ten members: a chairperson, five full-time members and four part-time members appointed by the government of India.
