Delhi HC Issues Summons to TATA SIA Airlines in Hot Beverage Spill Case Involving Minor

The Delhi High Court has issued summons to TATA SIA Airlines, the operator of Vistara, in response to a plea filed by a minor and her parents seeking compensation for bodily injuries sustained by the child due to an alleged incident involving a hot beverage spilled by a flight attendant. Justice Anup Jairam Bhambhani directed that summons be sent to the defendant, TATA SIA Airlines Ltd, through all permissible modes, requiring the airline to file a written statement along with an affidavit acknowledging or denying the documents presented by the plaintiffs within 30 days.

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Damages Claimed for Negligence

The 10-year-old girl and her parents have sought damages amounting to Rs 2.68 crore, including medical expenses incurred in Frankfurt, Germany, as a result of the incident that occurred on August 11, 2023, during a flight from Delhi to Frankfurt. The plaintiffs allege that the negligence of a crew member led to the child suffering severe second-degree burns on her thighs and surrounding areas.

Dispute Over Incident's Cause

The girl's parents assert that the incident occurred due to the carelessness of a female flight attendant who was hurriedly carrying the child's hot chocolate along with another extremely hot beverage. They dispute the airline's statement that the incident was caused by the child's playful behavior, emphasizing that it not only resulted in serious medical injuries but also caused significant mental distress and harassment to the family.

Airline's Response and Alleged Lack of Support

Following the incident, Vistara confirmed the occurrence and stated that all medical expenses related to the incident would be reimbursed. However, the plaintiffs contend that the airline failed to reach out or offer any assistance to the family until after the mother shared details of the incident on social media. Despite this, they claim that no substantial assistance or help was provided by the airline while they were in Frankfurt.

Legal Proceedings and Next Steps

The Delhi High Court has listed the plea for March 6, 2024, to hear the interim application filed by the plaintiffs. The plaintiffs seek a directive to the airline to remove the official statement regarding the incident and to refrain from publishing any defamatory content against them or concerning the incident.

The case highlights the importance of passenger safety and the responsibility of airlines to ensure the well-being of their passengers. The outcome of the legal proceedings will determine the liability of TATA SIA Airlines and the extent of compensation to be awarded to the affected family.