Himdarshan Samachar

Justice After 6 Years – HRTC Ordered to Refund Rs 1,108 with Interest to Passenger
Mandi (Himachal Pradesh): Ignoring a passenger's rightful claim has landed HRTC in legal trouble after six years of litigation. Inderjit Singh, a resident of Padhar, Mandi, was wrongfully forced to pay Rs 1,108 for an additional ticket during his travel from Delhi to Mandi in 2019.
He filed a complaint with the Mandi District Consumer Forum on 15 May 2019, but it was dismissed with costs. Aggrieved by the decision, Singh appealed to the State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission.
On 27 April 2024, the Commission, led by Chairman Justice Inder Singh Mehta, overturned the district forum's order. It directed HRTC to refund Rs 1,108 with 9% annual interest within 45 days. The commission relied on the electronic ticket machine report, confirming that tickets had already been issued for both travel and luggage.
Labeling HRTC’s act as an unfair trade practice, the Commission emphasized the importance of safeguarding consumer rights.