LUFTHANSA GERMAN AIRLINES Vs. SUMIT BHARGAVA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This revision petition has been filed by M/s Lufthansa German Airlines against the order dated 30-11-2007 of the State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, Delhi, (in short 'the State Commission').

(2.) Brief facts of the case are that in this complaint, the complainant submitted that he purchased tickets from agent of OP M/s Krisbi Travel at Chicago, USA for his journey to India vide itinerary on 29.12.96 from Chicago to Frankfurt and from Frankfurt to Delhi and on 31.01.97 Delhi to Frankfurt. It was further submitted that the only condition imposed on the ticket was that reconfirmation to take place within 72 hours in advance before departure. The complainant travelled on the document/ticket of OP as per schedule and reached Delhi on 30th December, 1997. The complainant as per schedule reached at IGI Airport, Delhi on 31.01.97 to board flight No. LH-761 of OP for Frankfurt and the ultimate destination being Chicago.At IGI Airport the complainant submitted his ticket and travel documents at the checking counter of OP and after checking of the relevant documents it was found in order and the complainant was issued two boarding passes one for his journey from Delhi to Frankfurt and the other from Frankfurt to Chicago.At Frankfurt where the complainant was in transit and scheduled to board flight No. LH-430 of OP was prevented from boarding the aircraft bound to Chicago and on enquiry was informed by the officials of OP that he could not continue his onward journey from Frankfurtto Chicago as he did not have a valid visa. The complainant was compelled to go back to Delhi. The complainant was informed by OP that he would have to travel on a business class ticket since no economy class ticket was available and complainant had no alternative but to purchase a business class ticket for his travel from Frankfurt to Delhi.

(3.) The complainant filed a consumer complaint and the District Forum vide its order dated 17-05-2002 passed the following order:--