- Right to Refund: Under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, consumers have the right to a refund if the service provided is defective, deficient, or not as advertised. If the service is canceled by the provider, a refund is generally expected.
- Unfair Trade Practices: If the booking platform engages in unfair trade practices, such as misleading advertisements or hidden terms, the consumer has the right to seek a refund.
2. E-commerce Rules (as per Consumer Protection Act, 2019):
- Transparent Policies: The e-commerce entity (like Simplibook.in) must clearly disclose its refund and cancellation policies on its platform.
- Cancellation and Refund: If a service is canceled by the provider or the consumer within the stipulated time frame, the platform should provide a refund as per its policies. The policy must not be unreasonable or misleading.
3. Specific Platform Policy:
- Platform’s Terms and Conditions: The refund policy of Simplibook.in would be defined by their specific terms and conditions. This policy should be accessible on their website or app and should comply with Indian laws.
4. Chargeback via Payment Methods:
- Credit/Debit Card Chargebacks: If a consumer does not receive a refund after cancellation, they may initiate a chargeback through their bank if they paid via credit/debit card.
Steps to Take in Case of a Dispute:
- Contact Customer Support: First, reach out to Simplibook.in’s customer support to resolve the issue.
- File a Complaint: If unsatisfied with the response, you can file a complaint with the National Consumer Helpline (NCH) or on the Consumer Protection Act portal.
- Legal Recourse: For unresolved disputes, you may approach the Consumer Court.