Kerala Consumer Court Orders Caterer To Compensate Consumer After Food Supplied At Wedding Causes Diarrhea
Kerala Consumer Court Orders Caterer To Compensate Consumer After Food Supplied At Wedding Causes Diarrhea
Directs St Mary’s Catering to pay Rs.40,000 to the sufferer
The District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (DCDRC) at Ernakulam in Kerala has directed a catering unit to compensate a consumer who suffered from infective diarrhea and stomach discomfort after consuming the food supplied by the caterer during a wedding.
In the Umesh V vs. Vijayan George & Anr case, the order was passed by DB Binu (President), V Ramachandran (Member), and Sreevidhia TN (Member) on observing that the caterer was guilty of substantial deficiency in service and engaged in unfair trade practices.
The complainant, a civil excise officer, claimed that he suffered from food poisoning after consuming the food arranged by St Mary’s Catering during a wedding reception.
He contended that several other attendees also suffered from diarrhea and vomiting after consuming the food. The consumption led to severe stomach discomfort and frequent bowel movements, resulting in his hospitalization, and a bill of Rs.11,845 was generated by the hospital.
He, therefore, sought Rs.50,000 as compensation from the caterer. The complainant asserted there was a deficiency in service and unfair trade practice by the caterer due to which he was hospitalized for three days and could not attend work for a week.
The consumer Court noted that the caterer neither appeared nor presented any defence before the forum. It was taken as an admission of guilt. Thus, the bench ruled in favor of the complainant.
The Commission observed that the complainant endured significant inconvenience, mental distress, hardship, and financial loss due to the negligence of the caterer. It ordered Rs.30,000 as compensation, in addition to Rs.10,000 as litigation costs to be paid to the complainant by the catering unit.
Advocate Tom Joseph appeared for the complainant.
St Mary’s Catering was represented by advocate Joshy Joseph.
