Chennai: The District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum, Chennai (South) has directed Spice Jet airlines to pay a compensation of Rs 10,000 to an accountant for not allowing him to board a flight even though he was holding a confirmed ticket.
The Bench comprising president B. Ramalingam and members Paul Rajasekaran and K. Amala said the act of the airlines amounted to deficiency of service.
In the petition, accountant Thomas Findo, Mylapore, said he was offering consultancy service in Chennai. He was planning to attend a meeting in the Directorate-General of Defence Estate, New Delhi.
He booked an air ticket for his journey from Chennai to Delhi and back on January 8, 2012, by Spice Jet flight. He paid Rs 12,293 for the tickets. The flight was at 7.45 pm and he reached the airport in time and checked in.
The airlines staff issued him boarding pass and allotted seat No.35 F. However, the boarding gate number was not mentioned in the pass. On enquiry, the staff directed him to rush to gate No.6 and wait for announcement. Immediately, he reached the gate and remained there for some time. As there was no call from the staff, he contacted them again.
They informed him that the boarding was closed and he would not be allowed to take the flight.
As a result of negligence, he suffered mental agony. He issued a notice to Spice Jet authorities and sought a compensation of Rs 4.20 lakh and refund of Rs 6,146. The airlines did not reply. Passing an ex-parte order, the Bench said according to petitioner, the act of Spice Jet in not allowing him to board the flight in spite of holding a confirmed ticket and after having arrived in time, amounted to deficiency of service.
As a result, he could not attend the important meeting in New Delhi and suffered professional loss, which is acceptable.
Hence, he is entitled to claim refund of air ticket of Rs 6,146 and compensation of Rs 12,500 towards mental agony and costs, the bench said.
