District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, Visakhapatnam | Ruling: Sep 2026
Key Takeaway
Bus operators cannot charge for air-conditioned travel and substitute non-AC buses, nor can they forcibly abandon passengers prior to their paid destination. The forum awarded ₹31,500 (over 26 times the ticket price) against operator negligence.
Case Facts & Passenger Grievance
- The Booking: A passenger paid ₹1,200 via UPI for an AC bus from Hyderabad to Rajahmundry.
- Amenity Downgrade: The operator deployed a standard non-AC bus instead and omitted issuing a physical receipt/ticket.
- Abandoned at Midnight: At 12:30 AM, rather than continuing to Rajahmundry, the bus crew dumped the passenger near Kovvuru (roughly 10 km before his destination), leaving him stranded on a deserted highway.
- Harassment: When the passenger requested a modest ₹500 fare adjustment, the travel operator responded with verbal abuse and intimidation.
Commission Findings & Orders
- Severe Deficiency in Service: The bench noted that travel firms cannot escape liability after receiving consideration for services they fail to deliver. Dropping a passenger miles away in the dead of night was held to be a reckless safety violation.
- Relief Awarded:
- ₹500 refund of the fare difference between AC and non-AC buses.
- ₹30,000 compensation for extreme mental agony, harassment, and deficiency.
- ₹1,000 towards litigation expenses.
- Total Relief: ₹31,500.
Public Source & Media Coverage
Read the complete news report on The Indian Express:
The Indian Express: Bus dropped man 10 km short at midnight, he wins Rs 31,500 payout from travel firm
BBR is largest active consumer community. Amplifying consumer voice since 2018.