Petrol pump owner fined Rs 1.65 lakh for denying woman access to toilet in Kerala
KOZHIKODE: A routine late-night fuel stop in 2024 turned distressing for a Pathanamthitta woman in Payyoli, while also exposing the often-overlooked issue of access to basic facilities for travellers. Denied access to the restroom by the petrol pump staff who cited frivolous reasons, C L Jayakumari, a schoolteacher and resident of Ezhamkulam in Pathanamthitta, approached the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, Pathanamthitta.
Her resolve bore fruit, with the commission imposing a penalty of Rs 1.65 lakh on the petrol pump owner for denying a customer access to a restroom despite her having just purchased fuel from there.
Jayakumari had stopped at the pump around 11pm on May 8, 2024, while traveling from Kasaragod to Pathanamthitta in her car. She sought to use the restroom after refueling her vehicle but found it locked. Upon inquiry, the pump staff initially claimed the facility was not functioning. Later, they said the manager had gone home with the key.
“I had filled petrol from the same pump. But when I asked to use the toilet, they told me it’s out of order. Then they casually said the key is with the manager who took it home. At that hour, it was not just inconvenient, it was humiliating,” said Jayakumari.
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Feeling emotionally and physically overwhelmed, Jayakumari reported the incident to the Payyoli police, who reached the spot and opened the restroom using force. A case was registered and Jayakumari pursued justice further by approaching the disputes redressal commission.
The panel, led by chairman and member, launched a probe and questioned the pump owner. After a review, they ruled in the teacher’s favour. In its ruling, the panel said under the directives of the Swachh Bharat Mission and guidelines issued by the Ministry of Petroleum, all petrol pumps are mandated to provide toilet and drinking water facilities to the public. The District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, Pathanamthitta presided by Sri. George Baby (President) & Sri. Nishad Thankappan (Member)held the dealer of the Indian Oil Corporation Ltd liable for unfair trade practice and deficiency in service.