- IRCTC ordered to pay Rs 3,100 for Re 1 refund.
- Kasaragod commission cited deficiency in service, unfair practice.
- Passenger received compensation for mental agony, litigation.
The Kasaragod District Consumer Commission in Kerala has ordered the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) to refund Re 1 and pay a total payout of Rs 3,100 in compensation and litigation costs to a passenger following a legal dispute over a ticket cancellation shortfall.
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How The Dispute Began
The dispute began in August 2024, when the passenger booked an AC 3-tier train ticket worth Rs 553 for a journey scheduled on August 20. However, he cancelled the reservation on August 17, over 48 hours before the journey, the Indian Express reported.
According to the rules, IRCTC deducted a standard cancellation charge of Rs 180 along with 5 per cent GST amounting to Rs 9, which left a refundable balance of Rs 341. Despite this, IRCTC refunded only Rs 340 to the passenger's account, resulting in a shortfall of Re 1.
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Citing confusion, mental agony, and breach of trust caused by the shortfall, the passenger filed a complaint with the Commission. In his petition, he sought Rs 1 lakh as compensation for confusion, another Rs 1 lakh for breach of trust, Rs 5,000 towards litigation costs, and the remaining Re 1 balance.
What Commission Said?
A bench comprising Commission President Krishnan K and member Beena KG said that failing to refund the exact amount owed constitutes a deficiency in service and an unfair trade practice. The Commission noted that IRCTC did not provide a justification for deducting the single rupee, and its written submission was rejected for being filed beyond the prescribed limitation period.
"...complaint is allowed in part; opposite party directed to refund Rs 1 with 9% interest from date of cancellation of date of ticket that is 17.08.2024 till realisation and Rs 100 towards compensation for deficiency in service and unfair trade practices and Rs 3000 as cost of litigation to the complainant within 30 days," the commission stated in its order as reported by The Indian Express.
The bench added, "Just because one rupee is paid less, the said fact really counts and complainant is entitled to Rs 100 as compensation. Complainant is also eligible for cost of litigation fixed at Rs 3,000," The Indian Express quoted from the ruling.
What Consumers Need To Know
- Even a minimal shortfall of Re 1 constitutes a deficiency in service, making service providers legally bound to return exact refund amounts to customers.
- Consumers facing similar issues can file complaints via the National Consumer Helpline at 1915.
- Residents in Kerala can reach out to the State Consumer Helpline at 1800-425-1550 for assistance.