Delhi man cancels Manali trek over heavy rain warning, ‘denied’ refund, wins payout

A trekking company in Delhi has been directed to refund an advance payment and pay compensation to a customer who canceled a planned trek in Manali, Himachal Pradesh, due to heavy rain warnings and adverse weather conditions. The consumer commission found the operator guilty of deficiency in service and unfair trade practice for refusing the refund.

The complainant, along with two friends, had booked an all-inclusive trek scheduled to commence on August 15, 2024, for Rs 4,000 per person, totaling Rs 12,000 for three persons. The complainant had paid an advance of Rs 3,000, which the operator allegedly refused to return despite repeated requests and a legal notice. The commission held that the trek operator had failed to contest the allegations, and therefore, admitted the complainant's proof of payment.

The trek operator was directed to refund the Rs 3,000 advance and pay Rs 2,500 as compensation and Rs 2,500 for litigation expenses within 30 days of receiving the order.