Hyderabad: The Hyderabad District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission-I ordered Mumbai-based SOTC Travel Limited to repay a businessman the fee he had paid for visa processing for a European tour after the travel agent failed to arrange a visa.
Kotha Suresh, proprietor of Shiv Shakti Electronics in Chenoy Trade Centre, Parklane, Secunderabad, complained to the commission that a SOTC Travel Limited agent coaxed him and his wife into buying an Europe tour package.
Suresh said that he, along with his wife, had paid Rs 1.3 lakh to the travel operator on December 13, 2019, including Rs 18,168 towards visa processing charges. The UK visa / immigration Authorities charged Rs 750 per person for the appointment of an officer for visa processing on February 11, 2021.
The travel agency assured them that they wouldn't have any trouble obtaining a visa despite the Covid-19 situation in Europe. The complainant claimed that the UK Embassy turned down the visa application due to the pandemic. After their application was turned down, Suresh said that he cancelled the tour and asked the travel agency for a refund. The operator offered a credit voucher for Rs 92,200. The complainant refused to accept the credit voucher.
SOTC refuted the claims and said that as a tour operator it not be held accountable for visa rejection. It argued that the complainant had agreed to the terms and conditions. The commission ordered the travel agency to refund Rs 18,132 as well as Rs 15,000 in compensation, and Rs 5,000 in litigation costs after examining the case.
