The imposition of a 10,000 fine on Haryana Roadways by the State Consumer Forum stemmed from a discrepancy in ticket pricing by a bus conductor. On a route from Ismailabad to Ambala City on July 29, 2019, a passenger named Ashok Prajapat was charged 30 for a ticket instead of the official 25 fare. This mischarging prompted a complaint and subsequent legal action.
Advocate Pankaj Chandgothia, representing the complainant, highlighted the lack of response despite requesting both legal information and a refund for the excess 5 charged. The State Commission emphasized the department’s instructions to accurately display route fares, which hadn’t been adhered to in the fare chart.
While the District Consumer Forum provided a compensation of only 1,000, it was perceived as inadequate given the circumstances. Seeking justice, the appellant approached the Consumer Forum, advocating for a 10,000 lump sum to cover mental distress, harassment, and legal expenses, aligning with the objective of justice.
In response, Haryana Roadways issued a warning to bus drivers and conductors, cautioning against such practices. They assured complainants of departmental action against guilty officials upon receiving grievances.
This incident highlights the importance of transparent fare information and fair practices within public transportation systems. The discrepancy in fare collection led to legal intervention, emphasizing the significance of adherence to official pricing and providing appropriate remedies in consumer disputes.
