The Ernakulam District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission in Kerala has fined the Indian Railways ₹60,000 for “serious deficiency in service and unfair practices causing the complainant inconvenience, mental agony, hardship and financial loss” owing to the delay of the Chennai-Alappuzha Express by 13 hours.
The commission comprising president D.B. Binu and members V. Ramachandran and Sreevidhia T.N. issued the verdict “reaffirming the principles of accountability, especially for institutions that form the backbone of a nation’s connectivity and economy.”
“Despite being a significant public sector undertaking (PSU) and being governed by various laws, the Indian Railways often fail to provide efficient services. Issues such as late trains and unavailability of reserved seats persist. Consumers right to redressal, as highlighted in the Consumer Protection Act, ensures they can seek compensation for losses or unfair practices,” the commission observed.
