India Legal News: SC Supports Fine Imposed on Airlines for Baggage Loss
Thu, 08/05/2010 - 13:10 — LIG Reporter
In August 2010, India legal news reports indicate that the Supreme Court of India upheld a fine of Rs.9.3 lakh imposed on Royal Jordanian Airlines (RJA), an international carrier. The penalty was imposed on the airlines, by the Orissa State Consumer Commission and the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, for misplacing the luggage of a couple.
The couple filed a complaint stating that they have reserved two tickets on the Royal Jordanian’s flight, from Kolkata to London, in 2001. However, their luggage was misplaced in Amman and they alleged that it was due to the fault of the airlines.
India Legal News: SC Supports the Findings of Consumer Forums
As per India legal news reports the court gave the ruling, while rejecting a petition filed by the international airlines. The RJA challenged the findings of the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) and the Orissa State Consumer Commission.
In a parallel development the Civil Aviation Ministry have stated that commercial airline companies will soon have to compensate passengers for any delays and cancellation of flights. Read this story here.
Senior counsel A. Sundaram, who represented the airline company, argued that there were technical flaws in the complaint.
However, the court was not convinced with Sundaram’s arguments. Further, the Bench comprising of Justices Markandeya Katju and T S Thakur said, “poor people. They were forced to spend 15 days without their clothes. How do you expect them to lodge a complaint immediately? They would first obviously go to the shop to purchase their clothes”.
Also, the Bench said that several passengers are harassed because their luggage is misplaced by airlines. Also, the airlines authorities should be held accountable for such negligence.
Final Legal Take Away Tip: Based on India legal news reports in April 2010, the Supreme Court imposed a penalty of Rs.5 lakh, on the Royal Jordanian Airlines, for refusing to fly a resident of Punjab and now this is another case where Rs 9 lakh is awarded by the court. It is essential to be aware of your legal rights while traveling, whether it is by train or plane.
Comments
Post new comment