Delhi High Court Examines ₹85.6 Lakh Insurance Claim Arising from Baramati Air Crash
The Delhi High Court has issued notice on a petition filed by the family of late commercial pilot Captain Sumit Kamal Kapur, seeking release of an insurance claim worth ₹85.6 lakh following his death in the January 2026 Baramati aircraft crash. The tragic crash also claimed the life of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and three other occupants.
Justice Jasmeet Singh issued notice while hearing a writ petition filed by Captain Kapur's widow, Anju Kapur, along with their children, Captain Shiv Kapur and Dr. Sanya Kapur Wadhwa. The matter has been listed for further hearing on August 19, 2026.
The petition challenges the decision of New India Assurance Company Limited to reject the insurance claim. The family has sought a direction to the insurer to release ₹85.6 lakh under a Loss of Licence Insurance Policy, along with interest on the delayed payment. The petitioners have also sought quashing of the insurer's rejection letter dated June 25, 2026.
In addition, the family has requested the Court to direct the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) to investigate the alleged wrongful denial of the claim.
According to the petition, Captain Kapur was an experienced commercial pilot who held an Airline Transport Pilot Licence and had accumulated thousands of flying hours during his aviation career. The family contends that he was covered under a Loss of Licence and Personal Accident Group Insurance Policy obtained through the Federation of Indian Pilots.
The petition states that the policy entitled the family to receive ₹80 lakh as the insured amount along with cumulative bonus benefits, bringing the total claim to ₹85.6 lakh upon the pilot's death.
A central issue before the Court concerns the insurer's reliance on Section 64VB of the Insurance Act, 1938, to deny liability. The petitioners argue that the insurer had extended the timeline for policy renewals and fresh enrolments until January 31, 2026. Since the fatal crash occurred on January 28, 2026, during the extended period, they contend that insurance coverage remained operative and the subsequent repudiation was arbitrary and contrary to the policy terms.
The case raises important questions regarding insurance coverage during extended renewal periods, interpretation of policy conditions, and the obligations of insurers when exercising discretionary extensions. The outcome could have broader implications for aviation insurance claims and the treatment of beneficiaries under group insurance schemes.
The Delhi High Court has sought responses from the concerned parties and will continue hearing the matter later this month.