Dharamshala Consumer Forum Fines Thai Lion Air Rs 1 Lakh for Denying Water to Kids

The District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission in Dharamshala has imposed a fine of ₹1 lakh on Thai Lion Air for refusing to provide drinking water to a passenger and his two minor children during a six-hour flight from Amritsar to Bangkok.

The case, Tarun Kumar Chaurasia v. Thai Lion Air & Anr, was filed by passenger Tarun Chaurasia, who had booked tickets for his family. According to him, the airline rescheduled the flight without his consent, causing him financial loss. On the new flight date, when his children asked for water, the crew allegedly refused to serve it for free and insisted that it could only be purchased using Thai Baht — the local currency.

The Commission, headed by President Hemanshu Mishra and Member Arti Sood, strongly criticised the airline for its conduct. It stated that denying water during a long flight was not only a deficiency in service but also a violation of basic human rights.

“Keeping minor children thirsty for six hours is unacceptable. The airline’s actions amount to deficiency in service and violation of human dignity,” the Commission observed.

In its order, the Commission directed Thai Lion Air to:

• Pay ₹1 lakh as compensation for the mental agony caused;
• Refund ₹2,527 for non-refundable hotel bookings along with 9% interest per annum;
• Pay ₹10,000 as litigation costs.

The order was passed ex parte, meaning it was unopposed, since the airline did not appear before the Commission despite being duly notified.

Advocate Aashima Kalra represented the complainant in the case.