Overcharging Rs 15 proves dearer for cafe

Manmeet Singh Gill

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, August 13

The district consumer disputes redressal forum has directed a cafe to pay Rs 5,000 as compensation and Rs 3,000 as litigation expenses to a local resident for overcharging Rs 15 for a mineral water bottle. The cafe had sold the water bottle for Rs 35 whereas its maximum retail price (MRP) was Rs 20.

Sakshi Mehra had filed a complaint against Cafe Connect, District Shopping Complex, Ranjit Avenue, stating that she went to the cafe with her family and purchased a bottle of mineral water. She complained that the opposite party gave her a bottle of Kinley brand and charged Rs 35 whereas its MRP was Rs 20.

According to her, the opposite party misbehaved with her when she raised objections. As the opposite party did not appear before the forum, it proceeded ex parte.

The forum stated that the complaint produced the bill of the purchase and the evidence had gone unrebutted on record as the opposite party, despite due service, did not opt to appear and contest the complaint.

The forum stated that the opposite party has indulged in unfair trade practice by charging Rs 35 while the MRP of the mineral water bottle was Rs 20.

It stated that the opposite party was under legal obligation to refund the same to the complainant.

The forum directed for compliance of the order within 30 days.