A petrol pump owner has been ordered to pay Rs 1.5 lakh to a woman teacher as compensation for not allowing her to use the toilet at the petrol pump. The case was filed by C A Jayakumari, a resident of Ezhakulam in Pathanamthitta, Kerala.
The incident happened late at night, around 11 pm, on May 8, 2024. Jayakumari was returning home by car from Kasaragod and stopped at a petrol pump located in Thenankal, Payyoli, for fuel. While there, she asked the staff for the toilet key. However, the staff refused to give her access, saying the key was with the manager, who had already gone home.
Left with no choice, Jayakumari contacted the police. The police arrived at the spot and broke open the toilet door so she could use the facility. She later filed an official complaint with the police, and a First Information Report (FIR) was registered.
Jayakumari then approached the Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission. The commission reviewed the case and stated that basic facilities like toilets are mandatory at petrol pumps for public convenience. Denying access to such a facility was considered unacceptable and a violation of consumer rights.
As a result, the commission ordered the petrol pump owner to pay Rs 1.5 lakh to Jayakumari as compensation for the inconvenience and distress caused. Additionally, the owner was directed to pay Rs 15,000 to cover court-related expenses. The verdict was given by Commission President Bebechan Vechuchira and member Nishad Thangappan.
