Chennai: The District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum, Chennai (South) directed Jet Airways to pay compensation of Rs 65,000 to a city resident for loss of his checked-in baggage during his travel from Chennai to Malaysia seven years ago. The airline lost his baggage after he reached Kuala Lumpur.
In the petition, S. Stalin of Sithalapakkam, submitted that he planned to visit Malaysia in June 2016. He approached Branch Head, M/s. Jet Airways (India) Limited, Egmore, to book his round ticket. On June 19, 2012 he booked air ticket to Kuala Lumpur from Chennai. He boarded the flight with checked in baggage weighing 12 Kg on June 21, 2012 in a Jet airways flight.
After reaching Kuala Lumpur, he waited to receive the checked-in baggage for more than 2 hrs. But to his shock, the baggage was found missing. Immediately, he informed the staff at Kuala Lumpur and filed a complaint. Even after waiting for a long time, the staff were not able to trace the baggage.
Due to the loss of the baggage, he purchased goods including dresses for daily use by spending Rs 27,000. He also spent Rs 30,000 towards expenditure for transport.
Even after repeated requests, the airline was unable to trace the baggage. In its reply, the management of the airline admitted the loss of the baggage and came forward to settle the claim of 20 USD per kg for 12 kgs. He said the act of the airline caused great mental agony and hence sought a direction from the forum to pay him compensation. In their reply, Branch Head, M/s. Jet Airways (India) Limited, Egmore and Chief Executive Officer, M/s. Jet Airways (India) Limited, Mumbai submitted that after arrival at Kuala Lumpur, Stalin complained about the loss of baggage.
As per the terms and conditions for international baggage, the Airways offered him USD of 240 (12 kgs X 20 USD). They also denied committing negligence in their service. The bench comprising President M. Mony, members K. Amala and R. Baskarkumaravel said considering the facts and circumstances of the case the forum was of the view that the airline committed negligence in service. Hence, Branch Head, M/s. Jet Airways (India) Limited, Egmore and Chief Executive Officer, M/s. Jet Airways (India) Limited, Mumbai shall jointly and severally pay Rs 13,502 and to pay a sum of Rs 27,000 towards expenses for purchase of articles in order to keep the complainant comfortable along with a compensation of Rs 25,000.
