A Bengaluru man returning from Bangkok on an IndiGo flight faced a distressing incident when a flight attendant accidentally spilled hot non-vegetarian curry on him shortly after takeoff. The III Additional Bengaluru Urban District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission recently held the airline vicariously liable and ordered it to pay Rs 25,000 in compensation.
The incident occurred on March 5, 2024, when Sree Nayak (name changed), a resident of Konanakunte Cross, was traveling to Bengaluru with his wife and daughter, having paid Rs 12,404 for his own ticket and Rs 24,808 for his family. About 15 minutes into the flight, a cabin crew member opened the overhead compartment above Nayak’s seat, causing a hot food packet to fall on him, spilling curry and other items. Nayak said the incident left him shocked and humiliated, with his clothes heavily stained.
Also read: Sharad Pawar Reappears in Baramati After Ajit Pawar’s Death, Fuels Speculation of Political Comeback
As a vegetarian, Nayak also suffered discomfort, skin irritation, and a lingering headache from the smell, which persisted until he reached home nearly eight hours later. He claimed damage to his clothing, backpack, smartwatch, and mobile phone. While the airline acknowledged the incident and offered a Rs 5,000 travel voucher, Nayak found it insufficient and filed a consumer complaint on July 5, 2025, seeking Rs 5 lakh for mental distress and property damage.
IndiGo’s Response and Commission Verdict
IndiGo argued that the spill was unexpected and did not constitute a service lapse, noting that the crew acted promptly to assist and clean up. However, the commission found that storing hot food in overhead bins posed a preventable safety risk. It held the airline responsible, directing IndiGo to pay Rs 20,000 in compensation and Rs 5,000 towards legal expenses, totaling Rs 25,000.
The ruling emphasized that keeping hot, uncovered food in a manner that could fall on passengers constitutes negligence, irrespective of the crew’s quick response.