Legal Briefs

Flier compensated for lost baggage: What does this 'landmark' verdict mean?

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The Delhi State Consumer Commission last month asked low-cost airline SpiceJet to pay Rs 2 lakh compensation to a passenger for losing his checked-in baggage that contained gold jewellery and expensive clothes. Legal experts believe the case could shape how airlines handle compensation claims.

"This case holds significant importance for consumers, particularly concerning their rights when engaging with service providers such as airlines. It firmly establishes that service providers cannot unilaterally impose terms and conditions without ensuring they are adequately brought to the consumer's notice," said Chirag Gupta, associate partner at law firm Alpha Partners.

Gupta said the airline failed to show that liability-limiting conditions were properly disclosed. "This judgment reaffirms a fundamental duty of care upon service providers for goods entrusted to them, acting as bailees," he said.