PATHANAMTHITTA: The Pathanamthitta Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission has imposed a fine of Rs 1,65,000 on the petrol pump owner who did not provide access to the toilet. The opposite party should pay Rs 1,65,000 which includes Rs 1,50,000 in compensation to the petitioner and Rs 15,000 in court costs. The verdict is in a petition filed by C.L. Jayakumari, a teacher from Ezhamkulam, against Fatima Hanna, the owner of the Thenankalil petrol pump in Payyoli, Kozhikode.

The incident that led to the complaint was reported at 11 pm on May 8, 2024. While Jayakumari was returning home from Kasaragod in a car to Ezhamkulam, she stopped at Fatima Hanna's petrol pump and after filling up with petrol, asked for toilet facilities, but was denied. When she asked the employee to open the locked toilet, he spoke rudely. Following a complaint, the police arrived and forcibly opened the toilet. The Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission assessed that the pump was operating without complying with any of the basic facilities and toilet facilities required when a petrol pump is authorised. The verdict was delivered by Commission President Babychan Vechoochira and member Nishad Thankappan.