Singapore Airlines ordered to pay Indian police officer for ‘mental agony’ after seat fails to recline: reports

The District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission in Hyderabad ruled in favour of Ravi Gupta and his wife Anjali Gupta, media outlets in India reported on Thursday.

They complained during the flight that their business class seats, which were supposed to recline electronically, had malfunctioned.

India Today reported that the couple were “forced to stay awake throughout the journey”, after forking out 66,750 rupees (US$800) for each ticket.

Gupta, who was Telangana’s director general of police, reportedly claimed that they were treated as “economy class passengers”, except for the extra legroom, the Deccan Chronicle reported.

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The commission ruled that SIA should refund 48,750 rupees to each complainant, along with 12 per cent interest.

Additionally, the airline was ordered to pay a compensation of 100,000 rupees for “mental agony and physical suffering”, as well as 10,000 rupees for the costs of the complaint, the media outlets reported.

In total, the airline was ordered to pay 219,200 rupees.

SIA has been contacted for more information.