Man books bus ticket, reaches pickup point on time, but driver skips his stop and leaves without him; consumer court orders company to pay Rs 14,725

A Ballari passenger who booked a bus ticket to Hyderabad for Rs 1,725 ended up missing an urgent office meeting after his journey was disrupted by a series of problems, including a missed pickup point and a mechanical breakdown. The passenger had reached the boarding point with his parents, but the bus allegedly failed to stop there. The vehicle subsequently developed mechanical problems and broke down at Mothi Circle.

The Ballari District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission has directed the bus operator, Go Tour Travels, to refund the entire ticket fare and pay Rs 13,000 towards compensation and litigation costs. The total amount comes to Rs 14,725.

Passenger reached pickup point with parents, but bus did not stop

According to the complaint, N Anudeep booked a bus ticket through RedBus on March 21, 2026, for travel from Ballari to Hyderabad. He had booked a seat on the bus bearing registration number NL 01 B 1595, operated by Go Tour Travels.


The scheduled pickup point was near Durgamma Temple in Ballari, with the bus expected at 11 pm. Anudeep paid Rs 1,725 for the ticket.

Anudeep and his parents reached the designated pickup point on time. However, he alleged that no staff from the bus operator was present there. He also claimed that calls to the driver and conductor went unanswered.

When he enquired at the operator's office near BUDA Complex, he was reportedly given a vague response and asked to wait at the pickup point.

The bus eventually arrived late, but did not stop near Durgamma Temple as scheduled. Instead, it went directly to the operator's office.

Anudeep followed the bus to the office and tried to board it, but alleged that he was not allowed to do so.

Bus develops mechanical problems and breaks down at Mothi Circle

According to Anudeep's complaint, the bus stopped three to four times along the way because of technical issues before finally breaking down at Mothi Circle.

The operator's driver and conductor reportedly informed passengers that the vehicle could not proceed further.

Anudeep then sought a refund of his ticket amount. However, he alleged that the driver and conductor spoke rudely to him and used abusive language against him and his parents.

Anudeep told the commission that he had an urgent office meeting scheduled in Hyderabad, which he could not attend because of the failed journey.

He subsequently issued a legal notice to the bus operator on April 10, 2026, through registered post with acknowledgement due (RPAD), seeking a remedy for the incident.

The notice was served on the operator, however, the company neither responded to it nor provided a reply.

Go Tour Travels does not appear before consumer commission

The dispute eventually reached the Ballari District Consumer Commission, where Anudeep alleged deficiency in service by the bus operator.

Go Tour Travels did not appear before the commission even after receiving notice of the complaint. The company was consequently placed ex parte, meaning the case proceeded without its participation.

The operator did not file a written version, present witnesses or submit any documents to counter Anudeep's allegations.

The commission took note of this absence while examining the complaint. Anudeep submitted a copy of the bus ticket dated March 21, 2026, his Aadhaar card, the legal notice dated April 10, 2026, and the acknowledgement card showing service of the notice.

The bus ticket established that he had booked the Ballari-to-Hyderabad journey through RedBus and paid Rs 1,725.

The legal notice and its acknowledgement also supported his account that he had approached the operator for a remedy before filing the consumer complaint.

The commission considered these documents along with the fact that Go Tour Travels had not appeared to contest the allegations.

Ballari District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission bench comprised of President Thippeswamy N and Lady Member Marla Shashikala. pronounced its order on October 13, 2026.

It held that Anudeep was entitled to a refund because the operator had failed to complete the booked journey. The commission also considered the disruption caused by the sudden cancellation, the absence of an alternative travel arrangement and his inability to attend the office meeting in Hyderabad.

It concluded that the passenger was entitled to compensation for deficiency in service and mental agony, apart from the expenses incurred in pursuing the complaint.

Bus operator ordered to pay Rs 14,725 within 45 days

Ballari District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission partly allowed Anudeep's complaint and directed Go Tour Travels to refund the Rs 1,725 bus ticket fare. The operator was also ordered to pay Rs 5,000 as compensation for deficiency in service, Rs 5,000 for mental agony and Rs 3,000 towards litigation costs. This takes the total amount payable to Rs 14,725.

The operator has been directed to pay the amount within 45 days from October 13, 2026, the date of the order. If it fails to comply, it will have to pay interest at 6% per annum from the date of the order until realisation on the amounts specified in the order.

The commission further stated that if the operator violates the order, Anudeep may initiate criminal proceedings under Section 72 of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.