📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Ingo Mehling
Crime
Kerala Man Awarded Rs 2 Lakh After Tour Agency Misses Promised Free Trip
✍️ The Indian Express
🗓 14 Sep 2026, 04:16 PM
👁 7
A consumer court in Kerala ordered a tour operator to pay Rs 2 lakh to a man after it failed to deliver a promised complimentary overseas tour.
A consumer dispute tribunal in Kerala has ruled in favour of a resident who was denied a promised complimentary foreign trip by a tour agency. The plaintiff had booked a package that included a free overseas tour as part of a promotional offer, but the agency failed to arrange the travel despite receiving full payment.
The court examined the agency's promotional material and the booking agreement, finding that the consumer’s right to the advertised benefit was breached. The agency did not provide any alternative arrangement or refund, prompting the complainant to approach the consumer court.
In its verdict, the tribunal ordered the tour operator to compensate the consumer with Rs 2 lakh, covering the loss incurred and serving as a deterrent against similar deceptive practices. The decision underscores the judiciary’s stance on enforcing consumer protection laws in the travel sector.
Legal experts noted that the ruling could encourage other consumers to seek redress where service providers fall short of advertised promises, reinforcing accountability in the tourism industry.
The court examined the agency's promotional material and the booking agreement, finding that the consumer’s right to the advertised benefit was breached. The agency did not provide any alternative arrangement or refund, prompting the complainant to approach the consumer court.
In its verdict, the tribunal ordered the tour operator to compensate the consumer with Rs 2 lakh, covering the loss incurred and serving as a deterrent against similar deceptive practices. The decision underscores the judiciary’s stance on enforcing consumer protection laws in the travel sector.
Legal experts noted that the ruling could encourage other consumers to seek redress where service providers fall short of advertised promises, reinforcing accountability in the tourism industry.