For a person to get soaked in rain and catch a fever is a normal thing. In fact, this happens with every other person! A similar case happened with a passenger at the Cochin International Airport. But this caused the latter to pay a compensation of ₹16,000 to the man! Here’s what happened at the airport and why they are paying compensation.
Cochin Airport Ordered To Pay Compensation To A Passenger
A passenger who was boarding a flight from the Cochin International Airport got drenched by rain. Apparently, the step ladder did not have any cover to protect the passengers from the rain. And therefore, the passenger filed a complaint against the airport and asked for compensation.
The passenger is a native of Kochi and he claimed to visit CIAL frequently. In his complaint, he listed numerous instances where he felt that CIAL had provided him with subpar service because of a lack of staff and subpar services. Among all of those, he described a situation in which he was completely soaked on the departure from CIAL on a rainy day because there was no rain shelter. He argued that until he arrived in New Delhi, he had to remain on board wearing wet clothes.
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He added that he felt a physical ache from being wet on board as a result of being bedridden for three days.
Case Proceedings & Final Order
The case proceedings were carried out at the District Consumer Redressal Commission, Ernakulam. They noted that CIAL could have presented CCTV evidence to refute the claim that they had not offered any rain cover, but they had chosen not to do so.
The consumer court concluded that CIAL should be held accountable for subjecting the passenger to physical pain, mental pain, and agony by getting him wet in the rain.
According to the final order passed by the court, the airport was liable to pay compensation to the complainant (passenger). The compensation was ₹8,000 for physical discomfort, mental agony, etc. CIAL was also ordered to cover the cost of court proceedings, which is ₹8,000.
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The Commission’s order also made a few general observations regarding the disregard for the well-being of their clients displayed by for-profit businesses like CIAL.
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