AIR INDIA BUILDING Vs. GEORGE VARGHESE

JUDGEMENT

(1.) THE appellants are the opposite parties/Air India authorities, who have challenged the order of CDRF, Kottayam in O.P. 192/01 that they should pay a sum of Rs. 25,000 as compensation and cost of Rs. 1,000 for the deficiency in service on their part. It is also directed by the Forum that the further expenses if any, incurred by the complainant is to be reimbursed by the appellants on production of proper receipts.

(2.) THE grievance of the complainant is that he was a traveller in the flight from Kochi - Abu Dhabi via Bombay and he boarded the flight on 28.6.2000 at Kochi and that the flight reached at Bombay in the afternoon on the same day at 3.30 p.m. and then he was informed that the flight to Abu Dhabi will be operated only on the next day. The Air India authorities did not provide accommodation for him. He had to arrange his own accommodation and spend for travel to the place of stay and food. The appellant did not attend his grievances properly when he complained to them and hence a compensation of Rs. 2,00,000 was sought for mental agony and sufferings undergone by him. It was also contended that the amount of Rs. 1,565 which was collected by the Thiruvalla office of the appellant as additional charges also cannot be sustained. He has sought for refund of the above amount also.

(3.) THE appellants had disputed the jurisdiction of the Forum. It is also submitted that he was not served with accommodation as he had arranged air ticket from India. It is also submitted that the appellants had agreed to reimburse the hotel and travel expenses, etc. of the complainant.