Indian Railways — Unfair refund practices

Address:	New Delhi, Delhi
Website:	www.irctc.co.in, www.indianrailways.gov.in

15-apr-2016: rail booking done: pnr [protected] intercity express 13466
Chair car - ndae to hwh, travel date: 26-apr-2016
Status waitlisted rlwl 1 & 2
Fare paid - rs410/-, sc rs45.80, bank charges: rs11.45 = total rs467.25

26-apr-2016: chart prepared
Current status: w/l 1 & 2
Ticket cancelled automatically due to waitlist status after chart preparation

28-apr-2016: refund received rs280/- only instead of rs467.25

I corresponded with irctc to enquire about short-payment. I was informed as follows on 14th may 2016 via email:

"new rule wef 12-nov 15'

Kindly note that as per indian railway rules in case of waitlisted ticket cancellation charges rs. 60/- per passenger shall be deducted.
Please note that you have paid rs 410/- as fare (Excluding the service charge of irctc which are non refundable)
O 410-130 = 280. (60*2 = 120 as cancellation charge for two passenger & 10/- as ac charge)
Hence rs 280/- is refunded to you.

Thanks & regards
Mritunjay kumar
Executive, customer care
[protected]@irctc.Co.In
Ph:[protected]/23340000
Www. Irctc.Co.In[#3318186]"

It is to be noted that:
A) railways are not refunding the service charges of rs45.80 even though no service is performed. This is unfair practice.
B) they are levying cancellation charges of rs60/- per passenger even when they are unable to provide accommodation on a legitimate ticket. This is unfair deduction.
C) they are not refunding the bank charges of rs11.45 paid by me for booking this ticket. This is unfair.

Indian railways is generating unfair trade practice which affects all genuine railway travellers. I therefore want this forum to fight this unfair trade practice and bring justice to genuine rail travellers at the earliest.

Regards
Ramasesh iyer