The credibility of Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) was questioned for providing good services to the train passengers after it was slapped with a fine of Rs 10 lakh by a consumer forum in New Delhi.
IRCTC, a subsidiary of Indian Railways, was accused of selling soft drinks above the maximum retail price (MRP) to two train passengers. The New Delhi District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum imposed the fine on the company in two separate cases for unfair trade practices.
Support Independent Journalism? Keep us live.
The Railway Company, which deals with catering, tourism and online ticketing operations, has been directed to deposit the fine amount with Delhi State Legal Services Authority. The complainants were awarded compensation of Rs 10,000 each by the forum. The IRCTC had allegedly sold a bottle of Maaza at Rs 15 to two train passengers, whereas the MRP was Rs 12.
The fine was imposed two days after the railway budget presented in Lok Sabha by Pawan Kumar Bansal, who announced to upgrade the IRCTC website for online booking.