Himachal man charged Rs 29 ‘extra’ on bus fare, wins Rs 50,029 consumer payout
In 2024, a passenger travelling on an HRTC bus from Haridwar to Una was charged Rs 29 extra on the return journey, despite the distance remaining the same. The passenger, represented by advocate Sunil Verma, filed a complaint with the Una District Consumer Commission, claiming that the HRTC conductor refused to charge less than the higher fare of Rs 517, even though the fare had been updated the day before.
The commission found that HRTC had not produced any records to prove that the toll had increased from Rs 26 to Rs 55 on August 14, 2024, and that the document relied upon by HRTC related to super luxury buses, not ordinary buses like the one used by the passenger. The commission held that the conductor had charged the passenger Rs 29 extra, which constituted a deficiency in service and unfair practice.
The commission directed HRTC to refund Rs 29 and an additional Rs 30,000 for causing mental tension and harassment, as well as to pay Rs 20,000 towards litigation expenses within 30 days.
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