Order Date: 28th February 2025
Order Name: Jai Prakash Yadav and Others vs Ravi Gas Agency and Others
Case No.: Revision Petition No. 3453 of 2017
The National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) in New Delhi, through its bench comprising Mr. Subhash Chandra and AVM J. Rajendra, has ordered Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) to compensate Rs. 5 lakh to the complainants for their daughter’s medical treatment and property damage due to a gas leak-induced fire.
### Key Details:
The complainants, long-time customers of Ravi Gas Agency, received a gas cylinder from Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) on February 13, 2015. While using the stove, a gas leak occurred, causing a fire that injured their daughter and damaged their house. The daughter’s medical treatment cost Rs. 6,60,000, with future surgeries estimated at Rs. 5,00,000. The house suffered damage worth Rs. 4,00,000.
Despite knowing about the incident, the supplier didn’t provide compensation and allegedly threatened the complainants against taking legal action. The complainants approached United India Insurance Co., which had an agreement with BPCL to cover such incidents, but received only Rs. 93,000.
Unhappy with the lack of full compensation, the complainants filed a case in the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, Durg, Chhattisgarh. The District Commission dismissed it, stating no negligence was proven. An appeal to the State Commission also failed, as it blamed unauthorized equipment for the fire.
The complainants then appealed to the NCDRC, arguing that the State Commission overlooked crucial evidence and that the supplier indirectly admitted fault by offering Rs. 50,000.
### NCDRC’s Observations:
The NCDRC confirmed the gas leak and fire incident and noted that BPCL had an insurance agreement to protect its customers. The supplier, BPCL, and the insurance company couldn’t prove the incident fell under policy exceptions. Thus, they are liable to compensate the complainants.
### Conclusion:
The NCDRC directed BPCL to pay Rs. 5,00,000 to the complainants within two months for the medical expenses and property damage. This ruling underscores the responsibility of service providers to uphold their agreements and compensate for losses caused by their products. It highlights the importance of companies maintaining accountability and fulfilling their obligations to consumers, ensuring they are not left without support in times of need.
