KSRTC fined Rs 30k: In a major ruling to safeguard passenger rights, the district consumer commission has imposed a fine of Rs 30,000 on the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) for allegedly denying a seat to an ailing passenger, and for also failing to drop him at his designated stop.
The order was passed after a complaint had been lodged by one Mohammad Zainudheen Kormath, a resident of Thottassheriyara, who faced considerable hardship during his journey from Amballur in Thrissur to Kolappuram in Malappuram.
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Zainudheen forced to stand inside bus despite being ill
According to an official statement released on Saturday, Kormath boarded the KSRTC bus only to find that no seats were vacant. He informed the bus conductor about his medical condition, and the inability to stand for extended periods, following which he was assured that a seat would be made available to him once the bus reaches Thrissur. Upon the assurance, Zainudheen purchased a ticket to Kolappuram and continued the journey. When the bus reached Thrissur, some seats were vacated, enabling him to occupy one.
However, his relief was short-lived, as another passenger claimed that the seat was reserved, prompting the conductor to ask Zainudheen to vacate it. With no alternative seats available, he was compelled to continue the journey standing, which caused his medical condition to deteriorate.
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KSRTC fined Rs 30k: Victim dropped at wrong stop
The situation took a worse turn when the bus failed to stop at Kakkad, the destination where Zainudheen intended to alight. Instead of entering the service road, the bus continued along the national highway, compelling him to disembark at Kooriyad; a location beyond his designated stop. Notably, the deviation caused additional inconvenience and distress to him, intensifying his health concerns.
Commission finds deficiency in service
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The Malappuram district consumer commission, after examining the case, held KSRTC accountable for lapses in service. It further observed that failure to inform the complainant about reserved seating arrangements and the denial of a proper stop constituted a clear deficiency in service. Towards the end, the Commission, comprising President K Mohandas and members Preethi Sivaraman as well as CV Muhammed Ismail, directed the KSRTC to pay Rs 25,000 as compensation to Zainudheen, along with Rs 5,000 towards litigation costs.
The corporation has been instructed to pay the entire amount within 45 days, failing to comply with an interest rate of 9%, the statement added.
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