The Forum directed the Airways to pay compensation of Rs 60,200 to the complainants for cancellation of flight “without justification”.

Arvinder Pal, a resident of Jalandhar, had approached the Forum seeking a refund of the amount spent on the tickets and fare of taxi hired for transportation from Chandigarh to Delhi along with compensation for the harassment caused to him and his family.

A similar complaint was filed by Panchkula resident Anil Goyal. Arvinder Pal, in his complaint, said in 2006 he had purchased four tickets of Indus Airways to travel from Chandigarh to Delhi to attend a marriage in Delhi for which payment was done through credit card. On reaching the airport, the flight staff informed them that the flight was cancelled.

Taking note of the non-payment of compensation, the Forum stated, “When the counsel for the Airways was told that there appeared to be no justification in not making the payment, she left the room saying it may pass any order it likes and they will have their own remedy against it. We are therefore of the opinion that the airways have intentionally disobeyed the order.”

President of Consumer Forum-I Jagroop Singh Mahal said, “The airways is liable to compensate the passenger for the harassment caused. They are thus directed to pay a compensation of Rs 10,000 to each passenger. Arvinder Pal would be paid Rs 40,000 while Anil Goyal gets Rs 10,000. The Airways would also reimburse Rs 4,000 each to Arvinder Pal and Anil Goyal along with Rs 1,100 as cost of litigation to both.”