Kerala consumer panel orders Rs 3.7 lakh refund and Rs 2 lakh compensation for failed Israel job promise
A Kerala district consumer commission ordered two operators to return Rs 3.7 lakh and pay Rs 2 lakh compensation after they failed to secure promised employment in Israel for a daily-wage worker.
In 2022, Joseph Manuel handed over Rs 3.7 lakh to Reji C Varkey, proprietor of Bagal Holidays, and Preetha Alex, after they assured him of employment in Israel within a year. Payments were split between the two, with part of the money also sent to Preetha’s daughter, Shilpa Mary. Over 2022-2023, the pair repeatedly set and then cancelled departure dates, eventually providing a falsified flight reservation.
Following the 2023 Israel conflict, they claimed travel would be delayed, and later ceased all communication. The Kerala district consumer commission, presided over by President S K Sreela and member Stanly Harold, ruled the conduct constituted deficient service and unfair trade practice, ordering a joint refund of Rs 3.7 lakh with 9 % annual interest, Rs 2 lakh compensation for hardship, and Rs 10,000 litigation costs, payable within 30 days.
Why it matters
The ruling highlights consumer protection against fraudulent overseas job schemes and reinforces accountability for service providers.
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