HARGOBIND TRAVELS Vs. GURMEET SINGH

JUDGEMENT

(1.) THIS is an appeal under Section 15 of the Consumer Protection Act, 1986 (hereinafter referred to as the C.P. Act) against the order dated 11.6.2010, passed by the learned District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum -II, U.T., Chandigarh (hereinafter referred to as District Forum), directing the OPs to pay jointly and severally Rs.37,500 spent by him on the purchase of fresh air ticket, Rs. 10,000 as compensation for harassment suffered due to the deficient act and Rs. 5,000 as costs of litigation. The entire amount of Rs. 47,500 was to be paid within 45 days from the date of receipt of copy of the order failing which the OPs were to pay it jointly and severally along with interest @12% pre annum from the date of filing the complaint till the date of actual payment.

(2.) ACCORDING to the complainant, on 16.1.2008, he purchased an air ticket from OP/appellant for his journey from Delhi to Athens and back. The ticket was valid for six months i.e. from 24.1.2008 to 23.7.2008. While in Athens, he contacted the office of OP No. 2 for confirmation of seat for 5.2.2008 but did not receive any response. He then contacted OPs Nos. 1 and 2 for the confirmation of return ticket but they also did not give any reply and the complainant, therefore, had to purchase on 25.6.2008 another ticket for his journey from Jorden Airlines for his return journey from Athens to Delhi by spending Rs. 37,500 approximately. On his arrival in India, he informed the OP/appellant and requested for refund of the ticket and for compensation. He also wrote a letter, to which a reply was received from OP No. 2 and they offered to re -protect the ticket on penalty of Rs. 3,000 because of date change and ultimately, the complainant filed the present complaint.

(3.) A notice was issued to the OP/ appellant for 27.11.2009 but it refused to accept the service and was, therefore, proceeded against ex parte. OP Nos. 2 and 3 were reported to have shifted their office from the given address and were served by publication in Daily Desh Sewak from 28.5.2010. None appeared for them and they were also proceeded against ex parte.