By IANS,
New Delhi : The Indian Airlines has been slapped a fine of Rs.25,000 for denying a passenger boarding at Delhi airport despite a confirmed ticket.
The Delhi State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission Monday held Indian Airlines guilty of deficiency in service.
The airlines had told the passenger P.N. Malvai, who had bought an Indian Airlines ticket to Singapore and a Qantas Airways ticket from there to Sydney, that it could not establish that the Qantas Airways onward journey ticket was confirmed.
Justice J.D. Kapoor said when a passenger is to take flight within 72 hours of purchase of a confirmed ticket, there was no question of any reconfirmation, particularly when the travel agent had issued a ticket with confirmed status.
Malvai had purchased the ticket on Sep 2, 2003, and the booking was for Sep 5.
He purchased confirmed tickets of Indian Airlines for himself and his wife from M/s. Niros Travels Ltd. from Delhi to Singapore and from Singapore to Sydney through Qantas Airways. On reaching the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport, he was advised by the airlines not to travel since their tickets from Singapore to Sydney were not confirmed.
Indian Airlines also told them that they would be accepted on the flight provided they gave a written undertaking not to hold them responsible if they were deported.
Despite having confirmed tickets on Indian Airlines, Malvai and his wife were not allowed to board on the basis of information which was found factually incorrect. On verification it was found that there was no such information received by Indian Airlines either from Qantas Airways or from the agent.
Justice Kapoor said whenever a consumer is issued a ticket with confirmed status for two legs of journey and has to travel within 72 hours, there is no question of