The Additional District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (ADCDRC) in Belagavi has ruled against SpiceJet Airlines, ordering the carrier to refund the full ticket amount collected from Rajya Sabha member Iranna Kadadi, along with interest, compensation, and litigation costs. The case involved the issuance of defective tickets that led to the rejection of Kadadi's reimbursement claim.
Case Background
Kadadi purchased two flight tickets: a Delhi to Bengaluru ticket worth Rs 5,004 on October 9, 2020, and a Bengaluru to Delhi ticket costing Rs 5,923 on November 9, 2020. After completing his journeys, he submitted the tickets for reimbursement to the competent authority. However, his claim was rejected because the tickets were issued as 'coupon tickets' and were deemed non-reimbursable.
Allegations and Legal Proceedings
Alleging a deficiency in service and negligence on the part of the airline, Kadadi approached the consumer commission in 2021. He stated that he had suffered inconvenience and mental distress due to the issue. Notices were issued to SpiceJet and the ticketing platform EaseMyTrip. While SpiceJet failed to appear before the commission and was set ex parte, EaseMyTrip contended that it had only acted as an intermediary and could not be held liable.
Commission's Ruling
After examining the case, commission chairman Mahantesh Shigli and member Girishgouda Patil held SpiceJet responsible for deficiency in service. They observed that the airline had issued defective or improper tickets. The commission ordered SpiceJet to refund the total amount of Rs 10,927 with 9% annual interest from November 9, 2020. It also directed the airline to pay Rs 10,000 as compensation for mental agony and Rs 5,000 towards litigation charges.
Kadadi's Statement
Speaking to TOI, Kadadi said that despite paying for the tickets, he was issued complimentary coupons, which led to the rejection of his reimbursement claim at Sansad Bhavan. He described the episode as embarrassing, particularly as he was a fresh parliamentarian at the time. Kadadi said he initially attempted to resolve the matter by issuing legal notices to SpiceJet's headquarters in Noida, but the airline allegedly refused to accept them. He subsequently approached the consumer court and pursued the case. 'Money does not matter, but the humiliation I faced does,' he said.
Advocate Shrikant S Pati (Hulagabalikar) represented Kadadi in the proceedings.
