Dharwad Consumer Commission Slaps SpiceJet with Compensation Order for Flight Cancellation
In a significant ruling upholding consumer rights, the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission in Dharwad has directed SpiceJet Airlines to pay substantial compensation and costs to four friends from Karnataka. The order comes after the airline abruptly cancelled their return flight without providing valid justification or adequate assistance, leading to financial losses and considerable mental distress for the passengers.
Details of the Flight Cancellation Incident
The complainants—Sanjeevkumar Hadagali, Sudarshan G., Teertharaj Holur, and Anilkumar Raikar—hail from Dharwad, Shivamogga, and Davanagere. They had booked SpiceJet tickets for a one-day program in Chennai, with their journey meticulously planned. The onward flight was scheduled from Shivamogga on March 13, 2025, and the return flight from Chennai to Shivamogga was set for March 15, 2025.
While the group successfully traveled to Chennai and completed their program, their plans were disrupted when SpiceJet sent a message on March 15, 2025, informing them that the return flight had been cancelled and rescheduled to March 16. The passengers immediately requested alternative travel arrangements or accommodation for the extra day, but the airline failed to provide any assistance whatsoever.
As a result, the complainants were forced to make their own arrangements to return to their respective hometowns. This not only caused significant financial loss but also led to mental agony and inconvenience, as they had to navigate unexpected travel disruptions without support from the airline.
Legal Proceedings and Commission's Findings
Alleging deficiency in service under the Consumer Protection Act, the complainants approached the Dharwad District Consumer Commission on April 28, 2025. The commission, comprising President Eshappa Bhute and Member Vishalakshi A Bolashetti, conducted a detailed inquiry into the matter.
The commission observed that the complainants were legitimate consumers who had paid a total of Rs 17,720 for the round-trip tickets. Examination of records revealed that SpiceJet had cancelled the return flight without any valid reason. Furthermore, despite repeated requests from the passengers, the airline initially failed to refund the return ticket amount. It was only after the complaint was filed that SpiceJet refunded the amount, but not before deducting service charges.
Commission's Ruling and Compensation Details
The commission held that since the flight was cancelled by the airline itself without justification, levying service charges was illegal and unjustified. In its ruling, the commission directed SpiceJet to take the following actions:
- Refund the deducted service charges of Rs 1,100 with 8% interest from the date of deduction until payment.
- Pay compensation of Rs 50,000 to each complainant for mental agony and inconvenience caused by the flight cancellation.
- Pay Rs 10,000 towards litigation expenses incurred by the complainants.
This brings the total compensation amount to Rs 2,14,100, including the refund and interest. The commission emphasized that airlines must adhere to consumer protection laws and provide adequate support in cases of flight cancellations, especially when such disruptions are caused by the airline's own decisions.
Implications for Consumer Rights in Air Travel
This ruling serves as a strong reminder to airlines about their responsibilities towards passengers. It underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in the aviation sector, particularly in handling flight cancellations and delays. Consumers have the right to seek redressal for deficiencies in service, and commissions like the one in Dharwad play a crucial role in enforcing these rights.
The case highlights how passengers can approach consumer forums for justice when airlines fail to fulfill their obligations. It also sets a precedent for similar cases, encouraging affected travelers to assert their rights under the Consumer Protection Act.
