The Ernakulam District Consumer Disputes Redressal Court has directed the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) to pay ₹45,000 to the family of a 73-year-old man who was injured after falling inside a bus during a Malakkappara pleasure trip in 2023.
The order was issued on a complaint filed by Chandrika Mohandas, a resident of Edappally. Her husband sustained a fracture to his left wrist when the bus applied its brakes during the trip organised by the Edappally Vattekkunnam Residents’ Association on 7 October 2023. He later required surgery, with medical expenses reported at ₹52,343.
According to the complaint, the elderly passenger was asked to move from his seat at Angamaly because other passengers had booked the seats. He fell while the bus was braking after being asked to relocate. The complaint also alleged that the bus did not have first-aid facilities and that there was a failure to arrange medical assistance after the accident.
The consumer court’s bench, chaired by D.B. Binu and comprising members V. Ramachandran and T.N. Sreevidya, observed that KSRTC’s conduct amounted to a deficiency in service and an irresponsible approach. The finding places the incident within the consumer protection framework rather than treating it only as an individual injury claim.
The compensation includes ₹40,000 for physical hardship, mental distress, financial loss and other difficulties suffered by the family. A further ₹5,000 has been awarded towards litigation expenses, taking the total amount payable to ₹45,000.
The case highlights the safety obligations involved in operating public bus services for organised group travel, particularly when elderly passengers are asked to change seats during a journey. The order also records the importance of immediate first aid and medical assistance when a passenger is injured inside a public transport vehicle.
KSRTC has been directed to pay the awarded amount within 45 days. The court order does not indicate any further implementation step beyond this payment direction.
