A Delhi consumer court ruled against Uber for failing to provide a timely cab, causing a user to miss his flight. The court ordered Uber to compensate Rs 54,000 for financial losses, inconvenience, and mental distress. This case highlights accountability issues in ride-hailing services and sets a precedent for addressing deficiencies in service.
Missed Flight Sparks Legal Action
In November 2022, Upendra Singh, a Delhi resident, booked an Uber cab at 3:15 a.m. to catch a flight to Indore. However, the cab never arrived on time, leaving Singh and his wife stranded. Despite multiple attempts to contact Uber, they received no response. Forced to hire a local taxi, they reached the airport late, missing their flight and disrupting their travel plans.
Consumer Complaint Against Uber
Frustrated with the service failure, Singh sent a legal notice to Uber, which went unanswered. He then filed a formal complaint with the Delhi District Consumer Commission, citing Uber’s “deficiency in service.” The district commission ruled in Singh’s favor, holding Uber accountable.
Uber’s Appeal Dismissed
Uber appealed the district commission’s decision to the Delhi State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission. However, the state commission upheld the ruling, emphasizing Uber’s obligation as a service provider to ensure timely and efficient services. The commission noted that Uber failed to provide a satisfactory explanation for the lapse.
Compensation Breakdown
The court ordered Uber to compensate Singh Rs 54,000, including:
- Rs 24,100 for financial losses and inconvenience.
- Rs 30,000 for mental distress and legal costs.
Consumer Rights in Ride-Hailing Services
This case highlights the growing demand for accountability from ride-hailing companies. It underscores the importance of timely and reliable service, as well as the legal recourse available to consumers when service providers fail to meet their obligations.
Uber has not yet commented on the judgment, but the ruling sets a precedent for addressing service deficiencies and ensuring customer satisfaction in the ride-hailing industry.
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