Malappuram: The District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission in Malappuram has imposed a fine of ₹30,000 on KSRTC for failing to provide a seat to a sick passenger and not dropping him at his designated stop.

The order was issued following a complaint filed by Muhammad Sainuddeen Kormath.

According to the complaint, Sainuddeen boarded a KSRTC bus from Amballoor in Thrissur to Kolappuram in Malappuram. On boarding, he found that no seats were available. He informed the conductor that standing for the three-hour journey would be difficult due to illness. The conductor reportedly assured him that he would be allotted a seat at Thrissur.

When the bus reached Thrissur, Sainuddeen managed to sit in an available seat. However, shortly afterwards, another passenger claimed the seat, stating that it had been reserved. The conductor also instructed him to vacate. With all seats subsequently occupied, Sainuddeen was left standing for the remainder of the journey.

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In addition, the bus did not take the service road to Kakkad stop as expected, instead continuing via the national highway, preventing him from alighting at his intended stop. He was eventually forced to get off at Kooriyad.

Following the incident, he approached the consumer commission.

The bench, comprising President K. Mohandas and members Preethi Sivaraman and C.V. Muhammad Ismail, directed KSRTC to pay ₹25,000 as compensation and ₹5,000 towards court expenses within 45 days. Failing this, the amount will carry interest at 9 per cent per annum.