Belagavi Consumer Commission Holds redBus, Bus Operator Liable After Breakdown Mid-Journey

The Belagavi District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission held that redBus and Pauls Travels were jointly liable for deficiency in service after the bus booked by the complainants broke down mid-journey and no alternate transport was provided.

The Court held that redBus could not escape liability as there existed a clear commercial tie-up and privity of contract between the booking platform and the bus operator.

The Commission directed a full refund of the ticket amount with interest at 8 percent per annum, awarded ₹20,000 as compensation for mental agony, and granted ₹5,000 towards litigation costs.

The Court held that online booking platforms share responsibility when services booked through them fail.

[Ashok Kadam & Ors. v. redBus India Pvt. Ltd. & Anr.]