2 days ago
Trader told to pay compensation for misleading discount advertisement
Kochi: Ernakulam district consumer disputes redressal court ordered a trader to pay compensation on a complaint that the trader cheated a consumer by advertising a 64% discount during inauguration of the business establishment.
Manuel Vincent of Malippuram purchased a 10-litre biryani pot for Rs 1,199 at a 64% discount following an advertisement published by a company called My G Future in Feb 2023. The advertisement claimed the price was Rs 3,299. However, the complainant found that the actual price was just Rs 1,890 as per the invoice received and approached the court.
A bench of D B Binu, presiding judge V Ramachandran and T N Srividya held that the advertisement was misleading as per Section 2(28) of Consumer Protection Act, 2019.
The commission restrained the opposing party from issuing such misleading advertisements in the future. Furthermore, the commission ordered the opposing party to refund the amount of Rs 519, which was overcharged, and to pay Rs 15,000 as compensation for commission expenses within 45 days.
This judgment sends a very serious message for protection of consumer rights and maintaining fairness and trust in the market, the commission said. In its order, it observed that ensuring justice to the consumer who presented valid evidence was a victory of the vigilant and prudent legal system.
