Travel Company Fined for Covid-Era Refund Failure

The Central Delhi District Consumer Dispute Redressal Commission ordered a travel company to refund Rs 3.25 lakh to senior citizen Anjani V Raghavan. The company failed to return the money after a pandemic-related tour cancellation, incurring Rs 25,000 fine for causing her mental distress.

The Central Delhi District Consumer Dispute Redressal Commission has mandated a travel and tour company to refund Rs 3.25 lakh to Anjani V Raghavan, a senior citizen, along with a fine of Rs 25,000. This penalty was imposed for the mental agony and harassment caused to Raghavan.

The forum, led by president Inder Jeet Singh and member Rashmi Bansal, determined there was a deficiency in service. The company failed to refund the substantial amount for a 2021 tour package, 'Scandinavian Midnight Sun,' following its cancellation due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Despite legal action initiated by Raghavan on May 18, 2021, and the company's request for two more months to process the refund due to financial strains, the refund was not provided. Consequently, the forum held the travel company and associated entities liable for the refund, and they are also to pay Rs 15,000 for Raghavan's litigation costs.

(With inputs from agencies.)