Lawyer Ailing Wife Stranded Bus Cancellation Win Rs 10000 Payout

A Hyderabad-Mydukur bus journey booked in July 2024 for just Rs 1,320 ended in frustration after a travel company cancelled the service at the last minute without informing its passengers, leaving a lawyer and his ailing wife stranded overnight in the city.

Nearly two years later, an Andhra Pradesh consumer commission held the travel operator guilty of deficiency in service and ordered it to pay Rs 10,000 in compensation and costs, ruling that consumers cannot be left to fend for themselves after purchasing confirmed tickets.

YSR Kadapa District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission president Tappa Abdul Rasool and members G M B Murali Krishna and V Chandra Vadana were hearing a complaint filed by advocate Ramisetty Sreenivasulu against Baba Travels offices at Proddatur and Hyderabad.

“The cancellation of bus service on the day of journey was not informed to the complainant by the opposite parties and there was certainly deficiency in service,” the commission said on June 8, awarding the compensation.

The advocate booked two tickets through Paytm Travel for a Baba Travels bus scheduled to leave Hyderabad at 10 pm and reach Mydukur at 5.35 am the next day. The tickets cost Rs 1,320 and the couple was allotted seat numbers L8 and L9.

Sreenivasulu told the commission that when he contacted the bus operator regarding boarding arrangements, he was informed that the service had been cancelled.

The complainant alleged that no prior intimation had been provided despite the tickets being confirmed.

He further claimed that when he questioned the operator about the sudden cancellation, he received a casual response and the call was disconnected.

The complainant said the situation was particularly difficult because his wife was already suffering from health issues and had travelled to Hyderabad for medical reasons.

With no transport available and no prior warning about the cancellation, the couple had to arrange overnight accommodation in the city.

According to the complaint, Sreenivasulu spent Rs 2,500 on lodging and another Rs 3,000 on food and local transport because of the unexpected stay.

He also informed the commission that he missed an important court matter in Mydukur the next day, causing inconvenience to both him and his client.

The ruling underscores that transport operators cannot simply refund a ticket and walk away when a confirmed journey is cancelled without notice.

If passengers suffer inconvenience, incur additional expenses or face mental agony because of a service provider’s negligence, consumer commissions can award compensation over and above the ticket amount.

For travellers, the case serves as a reminder to preserve booking confirmations, cancellation communications and expense records, which can become crucial evidence when seeking compensation under consumer protection laws.

For consumer-related grievances, individuals may contact the consumer helpline in their respective states (Andhra Pradesh: 0866-2551431) or call the National Consumer Helpline at 1915 for assistance.

Vineet Upadhyay is an Assistant Editor with The Indian Express, where he leads specialized coverage of the Indian judicial system. Expertise Specialized Legal Authority: Vineet has spent the better part of his career analyzing the intricacies of the law. His expertise lies in "demystifying" judgments from the Supreme Court of India, various High Courts, and District Courts. His reporting covers a vast spectrum of legal issues, including: Constitutional & Civil Rights: Reporting on landmark rulings regarding privacy, equality, and state accountability. Criminal Justice & Enforcement: Detailed coverage of high-profile cases involving the Enforcement Directorate (ED), NIA, and POCSO matters. Consumer Rights & Environmental Law: Authoritative pieces on medical negligence compensation, environmental protection (such as the "living person" status of rivers), and labor rights. Over a Decade of Professional Experience: Prior to joining The Indian Express, he served as a Principal Correspondent/Legal Reporter for The Times of India and held significant roles at The New Indian Express. His tenure has seen him report from critical legal hubs, including Delhi and Uttarakhand. ... Read More