Dharamshala consumer forum slaps ₹1 lakh fine on Thai airline for 'keeping kids thirsty' through 6-hour flight

The District Consumer Dispute Redressal Commission at Dharamshala recently slapped a fine of ₹1 lakh on Thai Lion Air for denying water to a passenger and his minor children on a flight from Amritsar to Bangkok [Tarun Kumar Chaurasia v. Thai Lion Air & Anr].

The complainant Tarun Chaurasia had booked flight tickets to Bangkok. The airlines unilaterally rescheduled the flight, thereby causing financial loss to the complainant.

On the rescheduled dates, he alleged that the airline denied drinking water to his minor children on the ground that water was not for free and only Thai Baht was accepted for purchasing water. 

President Hemanshu Mishra and Member Arti Sood held,

“We conclude that the opposite party No.1 [Thai Lion Air] has committed deficiency in service by keeping the minor kids of the complainant thirsty for six hours long journey. The crew of the opposite party No.1 has not even committed deficiency in service, but the basic human rights have also been violated in the present case. Even the rescheduling of flight, without the prior consent of the complainant is also deficiency in service. Hence, complaint deserves to be allowed.”

Thereby, the Commission directed the Thai airline to pay a compensation of ₹1 lakh rupees to the complainant for the mental agony suffered. It also directed the airline to reimburse ₹2,527 for non-refundable hotel booking alongwith interest of 9% per annum. Litigation cost of ₹10,000 was also directed to be paid. 

The Commission passed the order ex parte, observing that the complaint was unrebutted and unchallenged since the airline did not bother to appear despite valid service of notice.

Advocate Aashima Kalra appeared for the complainant.

[Read order]