IRCTC directed to pay Rs.20,000 as compensation to Hyderabad woman for cancelling confirmed tickets last minute

In a significant ruling, the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission–II in Hyderabad has directed the India Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) to pay Rs 20,000 as compensation to a woman for abruptly cancelling her confirmed tickets just an hour before the scheduled departure of the train.

The complaint was filed by Khursheed Begum, who had booked four tickets for the Howrah Special Train from Secunderabad to Vizianagaram on January 13, 2021, paying Rs 6,470 for 2AC. Despite receiving confirmation via email, Khursheed was shocked to receive an automated call on the day of the journey, notifying her of the cancellation of her booked tickets while she was waiting on the platform.

Facing difficulty finding alternative transportation during the festival season rush, Khursheed and her family had to incur additional expenses of Rs 4,589 to secure tickets for an ordinary bus to Vizianagaram.

Khursheed argued that the last-minute cancellation without a valid reason amounted to a deficiency of service and unfair trade practice. Despite being served notice, IRCTC did not appear before the forum, resulting in the case being considered ex parte.

Confirming the abrupt cancellation of tickets and the absence of valid reasons provided by IRCTC, the commission ordered significant compensation for the inconvenience and hardship experienced by Khursheed and her family, in addition to refunding the deducted amount of Rs 470.

The ruling sets a precedent for holding service providers accountable for such actions, emphasizing consumer rights and fair treatment in the realm of railway services.