• Source:JND

A Bengaluru man returning from Bangkok in an IndiGo flight suffered a distressing ordeal when a flight attendant accidentally spilled hot non-vegetarian curry on him shortly after take-off. Taking legal action over the incident, the III Additional Bengaluru Urban District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission recently held the airline vicariously liable and directed it to pay compensation of Rs 25,000. 

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The incident dates back to March 5, 2024, when Sree Nayak (name changed), a resident of Konanakunte Cross, was travelling to Bengaluru with his wife and daughter after paying Rs 12,404 for his ticket and Rs 24,808 for his family. Around 15 minutes into the flight, a cabin crew member opened the overhead compartment above his seat, causing a hot food packet kept there to fall on him, splashing curry and other items. Nayak said the incident left him shocked and humiliated, with his clothes badly stained. 

Being a vegetarian, he alleged severe discomfort, skin irritation and a persistent headache due to the smell, which lasted until he reached home nearly eight hours later. He also claimed damage to his clothing, backpack, smartwatch and mobile phone. While the airline reportedly admitted negligence and offered a Rs 5,000 travel voucher, Nayak found it insufficient and later filed a consumer complaint on July 5, 2025, seeking Rs 5 lakh as compensation for mental agony and losses.

IndiGo Response And Conclusion 

After hearing arguments from both sides, the commission ruled that keeping hot food items in overhead bins created an unnecessary safety risk for passengers. It held IndiGo responsible for the incident and directed the airline to pay Rs 20,000 as compensation and Rs 5,000 towards legal expenses, taking the total amount awarded to Rs 25,000.

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IndiGo said the spill was unexpected and did not amount to a lapse in service, claiming the cabin crew acted quickly by shifting the passenger and helping clean up. However, the commission ruled that keeping hot, uncovered food in a manner that could spill on a passenger was negligent.


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