Gujarat couple fight racism case against SAS Airlines

Surat: An Indian eye surgeon is fighting a legal case against SAS Airlines for seven years after facing racial insults by the airline cabin crew.
The incidents took place when Dr Nikhil Parikh of Surat and his wife were traveling from Bangkok to Singapore in 1999.
Recalling the incidents, Dr Parikh said despite asking for a vegetarian meal on the flight, they were served a non-vegetarian meal, which had beef in it.
"They told me it's vegetarian Hindu food. I trusted him but it tasted bit different. I called him and asked what it was he said that it was cow meat since cow is associated with Hindus. I vomited," said Dr Nikhil Parikh, Litigant.
Eventually in 2001, the airline apologized but claimed they couldn't conduct an inquiry due to the delay in receiving their complaint and inability to procure the cabin report of the flight.
Dr Parikh moved the district consumer forum in Surat.In May 2004, the forum directed the airline to pay Rs one lakh as compensation to the Parikhs.
Last week the couple received a cheque of Rs 1.18 lakh from the SAS airlines, which included interest on late payment.
01/02/07 Rohit Bhan/NDTV.com

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Categories: foreign feb 2007