Kerala Consumer Commission Directs IRCTC, Southern Railway to Pay ₹70,500 for Yatra Service Lapses

The Ernakulam District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission directed Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation Ltd. (IRCTC) and Southern Railway to refund ₹20,500 and pay ₹50,000 as compensation to a passenger who booked the Aastha Punya Theerth Yatra pilgrimage tour.

The complainant alleged the train departed a day late, was unclean, served inferior food, lacked an onboard doctor, curtailed the journey by two days, and failed to provide adequate arrangements at destinations.

The Commission found that the opposite parties failed to inform passengers or ensure proper facilities, establishing a deficiency of service and unfair trade practice. 

The Commission awarded ₹3,000 as litigation costs and held both jointly and severally liable.

[K.B. Suresh Babu v The IRCTC and Anr.]