Archive · 24 Jul 2026
Mumbai consumer body orders refund for cancelled Australia trip
A woman in Mumbai booked a trip to Australia for April 2020.
Due to Covid-19, the trip was cancelled, and the travel company gave her a credit note instead of a refund.
She wanted her money back, but the company said no.
She took them to court.
The court said the company had to give her back her money plus extra for the trouble.
The company had to pay her Rs 1,78,750 back with interest and Rs 40,000 for her trouble.
The court said companies can't make people take a credit note if they want a refund.
A Mumbai consumer body ordered a tour company to refund a senior citizen for a cancelled Australia trip due to Covid-19.
The company issued a credit note instead of a cash refund, which the consumer disputed.
The commission held that issuing a credit note without consent is a deficiency in service and unfair trade practice.
The company was ordered to refund Rs 1,78,750 with interest and pay Rs 40,000 as compensation.
The commission rejected the company's argument that the cancellation was due to government restrictions and that the credit note was a valid alternative.
- Who
- Anjudevi D Jajodia, a senior citizen, and Neem Holidays Private Limited
- What
- A consumer complaint against a tour company for not refunding the amount for a cancelled Australia trip due to Covid-19
- When
- The tour was scheduled for April 2020, and the complaint was decided on June 25
- Where
- Mumbai, India
- Why
- The tour was cancelled due to Covid-19 pandemic and the company issued a credit note instead of a cash refund without the consumer's consent.
Consumer's Perspective
Tour Company's Perspective
Refund vs. Credit Note
Consumer's Perspective
The consumer sought a cash refund for the cancelled trip, arguing that the company's issuance of a credit note without consent was a deficiency in service.
Tour Company's Perspective
The tour company argued that the cancellation was due to government travel restrictions and that the credit note was a valid alternative to a refund.
Senior Citizen's Rights
Consumer's Perspective
The commission held that a senior citizen cannot be compelled to undertake a trip against her wishes, even if travel restrictions are later eased.
Tour Company's Perspective
The company contended that the consumer could use the credit note to travel once restrictions were lifted.
- Complainant
- Anjudevi D Jajodia
- Tour Company
- Neem Holidays Private Limited
- Tour Cost
- Rs 1,89,750
- Refund Amount
- Rs 1,78,750
- Compensation
- Rs 40,000
- Interest Rate
- 9% per annum
- Decision Date
- June 25
- Payment Deadline
- 60 days from receipt of the order