New Delhi, Aug. 3 -- Imagine landing at an international airport with enough money in your bank account but being unable to buy food, withdraw cash or even access an airport lounge because your debit card has been blocked without your knowledge.

That is what happened to a Federal Bank customer, prompting the Ernakulam District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission in Kerala to order the bank to pay Rs.1.25 lakh in compensation and litigation costs. The commission held that although banks can block cards to prevent fraud, failing to inform customers beforehand amounts to deficiency in service, TOI reported.

According to The Times of India, the customer had maintained an account with Federal Bank since 2015 and was using an international...