Israel conflict cited for job delay, Kerala man given ‘fake flight booking’ wins Rs 5.8 lakh payout

“The opposite parties are jointly and severally liable for the amount received from the complainant and for the consequences arising from their failure to render the promised service. The complainant is consequently entitled to refund of the principal amount together with reasonable interest and compensation for the financial loss, mental agony and harassment suffered by him,” the August 18 ruling stated.

Paid Rs 3.7 lakh, but no job in sight

A man approached two overseas employment agents in 2022 after they promised to arrange a job for him in Israel within three months to one year, including visa, documentation and travel. Relying on their assurances, he paid Rs 3.70 lakh towards placement and other services.

He alleged that during 2022 and 2023, the agents gave him several dates, but repeatedly postponed or cancelled them, often at the last minute. In July 2023, they allegedly provided a flight reservation confirmation, which he later claimed was fake, stating that no genuine booking was made.

After the Israel conflict began in October 2023, the agents allegedly continued giving him fresh dates. Eventually, they stopped responding to his calls and messages, and neither arranged the promised employment nor refunded the money, he claimed. Later, the man approached the commission.

He alleged that the agents committed deficiency in service and unfair trade practice by taking 3.70 lakh for overseas employment but failed to provide him the promised job or visa and travel arrangements. He also alleged that a fake flight reservation was provided to make it appear that his travel arrangements were progressing.

He sought a refund of Rs 3.7 lakh, along with compensation for financial loss, mental agony and harassment, and litigation costs. The agent did not appear before the commission or file any response, and the case proceeded without hearing their side.

Years of uncertainty, Rs 5.8 lakh payout

The commission observed that repeatedly giving the complainant departure dates, asking him to prepare for travel and cancelling the plans at the last moment would have caused “considerable anxiety, frustration and humiliation”, with the uncertainty continuing for years.

It held the two opposite parties jointly and severally liable and ordered them to refund Rs 3.70 lakh with 9 per cent annual interest from the respective payment dates, besides Rs 2 lakh compensation for mental agony, harassment and hardship and Rs 10,000 litigation costs. The total amount awarded, excluding interest, added up to Rs 5.80 lakh.

Consumer takeaway

The ruling highlights that consumer protection cannot become an empty remedy if service providers are permitted to collect substantial amounts by making attractive promises, keep consumers waiting through repeated assurances, fail to render the promised service, retain the consumer’s money and simply disappear later when called upon to account for their conduct.

For consumer-related grievances, individuals may contact the consumer helpline in their respective states and Union territories (Kerala: 1800-425-1550) or call the National Consumer Helpline at 1915 for assistance.

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