AIR INDIA Vs. DHARMAVARAM KOTTAM SAMARASIMHA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) These two appeals are filed by the Air India against the order of AP State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, made on 12.10.2006. This was a common order in two separate complaints. The complainants are related to each other as father and daughter. Both appeals have been filed with a delay of 42 days. However, considering the explanation offered, the delay has been condoned.

(2.) Both cases relate to preponement of the date of return journey from USA to India, from 1.6.2003 to 29.5.2003. The case of the complainants was that on the date of the journey i.e. 29.5.2003, they had completed the check in process and were awaiting the boarding call. At that stage, they were summoned to the desk at Gate No. 62 and informed that they needed to pay Rs 175, as preponement charge for both passengers, before they could be permitted to board the flight. This payment was made through the credit card of the father and they were permitted to undertake the journey.

(3.) It was alleged that the complainants were subjected to not only this unfair treatment but also had to undergo considerable personnel inconvenience due to delay in boarding caused by this episode. Therefore, both sought compensation of Rs. 200,000, each.