In a groundbreaking decision, the Ernakulam district consumer disputes redressal commission in Kochi has ordered a Pune-based adventure resort to pay ₹1.99 crore to a couple who tragically lost both of their sons in an accident at the resort’s pond on October 25, 2020. The ruling comes in response to safety violations and negligence alleged by the grieving parents against the adventure and agrotourism resort.
The complainants, residents of Amballur, filed the complaint against the resort owners, claiming that the lack of safety measures, the absence of a promised guide, and a malfunctioning CCTV system contributed to the drowning incident. Despite assurances of safety precautions in advertisements, the resort failed to deliver on its promises, leading to the devastating loss of the couple’s two children.
The police had previously filed a case against the managing director of the resort and the establishment itself on charges of negligence in the deaths. The parents, originally demanding ₹6 crore, lowered their claim to ₹1.99 crore and sought an additional 12 percent interest from the date of the complaint.
In a peculiar turn of events, notices sent to the opposing parties were returned with the label “Intimation Given,” rendering the other parties “ex parte” in the proceedings for failing to present their viewpoints.
The commission’s verdict highlights the immeasurable loss suffered by the complainants, encompassing love, companionship, and financial support due to the premature deaths of their single, financially stable children. While recognizing the difficulty in quantifying the mental anguish, the complainants seek ₹1.99 crore in damages and compensation, holding the resort accountable for negligence and inadequate service leading to the tragic incident.
In addition to the monetary compensation, the panel has urged the inclusion of disaster management lessons, including swimming skills as a lifesaving measure, in the state’s school curricula. A copy of the order has been forwarded to the Director of Public Instruction in Kerala.
