Summary of this article
Hostel ordered to refund Rs 30,000 after failing to provide promised facilities.
Student complained about poor food, no Wi-Fi and neglected hostel maintenance.
Consumer commission awarded compensation, litigation costs and 9 per cent interest.
Students often choose hostels based on promises of facilities such as quality food, Wi-Fi, and regular maintenance. A recent consumer commission order has highlighted that operators may be held accountable if such promised amenities are not provided.
In one such case, the Kangra District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission directed a Greater Noida hostel to refund Rs 30,000 with 9 per cent interest to an engineering student. The commission also awarded Rs 5,000 as compensation and Rs 5,000 towards litigation costs after holding the hostel liable for deficiency in service.
Why Did The Student Leave The Hostel
According to an Economic Times, the student had taken admission to the B.Tech programme at IILM University, Greater Noida, in August 2023 and paid an advance of Rs 35,000 for hostel accommodation. The hostel had assured him of facilities such as quality food, Wi-Fi connectivity and regular maintenance.
While within a week of moving into the hostel, the student alleged that the food served was sub-standard, maintenance was neglected and the promised Wi-Fi facility was never made available. He decided to leave the hostel after informing the management. He was reportedly assured that the advance amount would be refunded after deducting charges for the one-week stay while the refund was never processed despite repeated follow-ups.
The matter eventually reached the Kangra District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission. The case was heard by Commission President Hemanshu Mishra and members Arti Sood and Narayan Thakur.
The commission noted that despite being served notices, the hostel management did not appear before the forum to contest the complaint. As a result, the proceedings continued ex parte and the student’s evidence remained unrebutted.
What Relief Did The Student Receive
After examining the documents on record, the commission held that accepting a substantial advance fee while failing to provide basic promised amenities such as quality food and internet connectivity amounted to a deficiency in service under the Consumer Protection Act.
The commission held that Rs 5,000 could be adjusted towards the student's one-week stay and directed the hostel to refund the balance Rs 30,000.
It also awarded 9 per cent interest on the refundable amount, Rs 5,000 as compensation and Rs 5,000 towards litigation costs, taking the total monetary relief to Rs 40,000, excluding interest.
Students and parents who pay advance hostel fees based on promises of facilities should retain receipts, advertisements and other records. If a hostel does not provide the services promised, a consumer can approach a consumer commission under the Consumer Protection Act seeking a refund, interest and compensation for deficiency in service.
