The Indian Express ·
Shop charges Rs 7 above MRP for water bottle, ordered to pay Rs 7 lakh in damages
The complainant alleged that he was charged Rs 25 for a one-litre packaged drinking water bottle having a maximum retail price (MRP) of Rs 18.
A consumer commission in Andhra Pradesh recently directed a shop to pay Rs 7 lakh in punitive damages after it allegedly charged a customer Rs 25 for a one-litre packaged drinking water bottle having a maximum retail price (MRP) of Rs 18.
President Ch Raghupathy Vasantha Kumar and members Chakka Susi and Chaganti Nageswara Rao also directed the shop to refund the Rs 7 excess amount, pay Rs 10,000 as compensation and Rs 5,000 towards litigation costs. The Rs 7 lakh punitive damages were directed to be deposited with the Consumer Welfare Fund.
“Considering the gravity of the unfair trade practice, the likelihood of recurrence, the large number of consumers affected, the necessity of protecting public interest, and in exercise of the powers conferred under…Consumer Protection Act, 2019, this Commission directs the 2nd opposite party (shop) to pay punitive damages of Rs 7 lakh, which shall be credited to the Consumer Welfare Fund,” the order read.
