Chandigarh: Commission tells travel agency to pay Rs 15K, litigation cost to couple

Ramkrishan Upadhyay

Chandigarh, February 21

Honeymoon holds a special place and sentimental value in the lives of newlyweds. While observing this, the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission Chandigarh has directed a travel agency to pay compensation to a city-based couple who alleged that the agency failed to provide services as promised during their honeymoon trip of Maldives.

Akshat Bindal and his wife in a complainant filed before the commission stated that they booked honeymoon trip package from Luxury Travel Mart, Chandigarh, for Maldives. They paid Rs 2.85 lakh for five days and four nights trip from December 5, 2021, to December 9, 2021.

However, the travel agency did not share the complete itinerary by any means. The couple alleged that the agency defrauded them by stating that there were no direct flights from Delhi to Maldives on December 5, 2021, in order to save the fare.

Left with no other alternative, the couple availed the package and undertook the journey. The agency confirmed the final itinerary and tickets only a few hours prior to the departure. Due to this, the couple suffered mental agony, harassment and physical discomfort.

Besides, they paid Rs11,250 for the RT PCR Test upon arrival in Maldives which was already included in the package. After multiple follow ups, the agency agreed to refund Rs 10,000 and assured the complainants that the balance amount of Rs 1,500 would be transferred shortly, but it was not done.

Moreover, no arrangements were made by the resort staff for the birthday celebrations. As per the complainants, the agency violated the terms and conditions of the honeymoon trip package.

As the travel agency failed to appear, the commission decided to proceed ex-parte vide order dated October 3, 2022. After hearing arguments, the commission stated that a honeymoon holds a special place and sentimental value in the lives of newlyweds. Due to acts of omission and commission on part of the agency, the complainants suffered mental agony and harassment. The commission stated that the agency was certainly liable to compensate complaints. The commission directed the agency to pay Rs15,000 to the complainants and the litigation expenses.