Rajasthan Royals vs Insurance Company dispute over Sreesanth’s 2012 injury reaches the Supreme Court, focusing on the Rs 82 lakh insurance claim and its implications for IPL sports contracts.
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NEW DELHI: The Rajasthan Royals are involved in a decade-old legal battle with United India Insurance Company over an Rs 82 lakh claim related to S Sreesanth’s 2012 injury. The dispute, now before the Supreme Court, revolves around whether a pre-existing toe injury or a fresh knee injury caused his absence from the season.
The Background of the Case
In 2012, S Sreesanth, then a key player for Rajasthan Royals, was ruled out of the IPL season due to a knee injury sustained during a practice match. Following this, the franchise filed an insurance claim worth over Rs 82 lakh with United India Insurance Company, as per their coverage for player injuries.
However, the insurance company denied the claim. Their reasoning was that Sreesanth had been suffering from a pre-existing toe injury since 2011, which he allegedly failed to disclose at the time of the policy. According to them, this injury was the real reason behind his inability to play in the 2012 season, or at least should have been disclosed during policy execution.
Rajasthan Royals’ Argument
The Royals maintained that Sreesanth’s toe injury was not significant enough to stop him from playing. They argued that the cricketer had continued to represent the team despite carrying that injury. The only reason he missed the 2012 edition was the knee injury sustained during the insured period, which directly impacted his participation.
Previous Ruling in the Franchise’s Favour
The National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) had earlier ruled in favour of Rajasthan Royals. The commission directed United India Insurance to honour the insurance claim and pay the franchise the amount.
The Supreme Court Hearing
Unhappy with the NCDRC’s decision, United India Insurance Company appealed to the Supreme Court. The matter is now under consideration by the apex court, which has requested further documents, including Sreesanth’s fitness certificate, to clarify whether the pre-existing injury was disclosed and its actual impact.
Interestingly, during oral observations, the Supreme Court hinted at siding with the Rajasthan Royals. The bench remarked that
“if the insurance company had knowledge of the old injury, they could have either denied issuing the policy or charged a higher premium. Since they did not, the franchise’s claim may stand stronger.”
Case Title:
UNITED INDIA INSURANCE CO. LTD. Versus ROYAL MULTISPORT PRIVATE LIMITED,
Civil Appeal Diary No. 33872/2025
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