The correct answer is C. Complainant has to approach a consumer forum prior to ombudsman.
The other options are correct.
A. The complaint must be made by an individual on a ‘Personal Lines’ insurance. This is because the ombudsman only deals with complaints from individuals on personal lines insurance.
B. The complaint must be lodged within 1 year of the insurer rejecting the complaint. This is because the ombudsman can only deal with complaints that are made within 1 year of the insurer rejecting the complaint.
D. The total relief sought must be within an amount of Rs. 20 lakh. This is because the ombudsman can only deal with complaints where the total relief sought is within an amount of Rs. 20 lakh.
C. Complainant has to approach a consumer forum prior to ombudsman. This is not a pre-requisite for launching a complaint with ombudsman. The complainant can directly approach the ombudsman without approaching a consumer forum first.