Uber Ordered to Pay Rs 54,100 After Doctor Misses Flight in South Delhi
Uber Ordered to Pay Rs 54,100 After Doctor Misses Flight in South Delhi
In today’s busy world, app-based taxi services like Uber and Ola have become essential for smooth and easy travel. They are known for their convenience, reliability, and hassle-free experience. But what happens when that very convenience fails you, leaving you stranded and missing an important flight? This exact scenario unfolded for a doctor from South Delhi, leading to a legal confrontation with Uber India.
The incident occurred on November 29, 2021, when the doctor booked an Uber at 3:15 AM to get to Indira Gandhi International Airport for his flight to Indore. Even after confirming the booking, the driver failed to show up. His calls went unanswered, and Uber’s customer support was not responsive. As time slipped away, the doctor canceled the ride, found a local taxi, and hurried to the airport, only to discover that his flight had already left.
The doctor was compelled to purchase another ticket at twice the cost, allowing him to reach Indore, but he missed out on valuable time with his family because of the disruption. Feeling frustrated, he approached the District Consumer Commission, which ruled in his favor, citing Uber’s “deficiency of service” and “unfair trade practices.” As a result, Uber was ordered to compensate him with Rs 24,100 for the extra ticket and Rs 30,000 for mental distress and legal expenses.
Uber contested the ruling, claiming it merely serves as a platform that connects riders with independent drivers and should not be held responsible for a driver’s actions. Nevertheless, the Delhi State Consumer Commission upheld the original decision, highlighting that Uber did not provide any evidence to support the driver’s absence or any uncontrollable factors like traffic or technical issues. Uber’s failure to attend multiple hearings further weakened its position.
Passengers depend on these services for time-sensitive situations, and negligence can lead to serious repercussions.
