Consumer Victory: Delhi Commission Rules Against Charging for Carry Bags at Retail Stores

Introduction:

In a recent decision by the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission in Delhi, an important consumer issue came under the spotlight - the practice of charging customers for carry bags in retail stores. The ruling against Reliance Trends, a prominent retail company, sets a significant precedent and highlights the importance of consumer rights. This case, filed by an advocate and consumer, Amit Kumar Tripathi, challenges the fairness of charging for something as basic as a carry bag during a routine shopping transaction.

The Complaint:

Amit Kumar Tripathi's complaint stemmed from a shopping trip to Reliance Trends in June 2019. After purchasing a play t-shirt and a pair of track pants, he was surprised to find an additional Rs. 7 charge on his bill for a carry bag. He believed this to be unfair and constituting a "deficiency in service." In addition to the refund of the Rs. 7 charge, Amit sought compensation of Rs. 25,000 for the inconvenience caused.

Precedent from the Past:

To bolster his case, Amit pointed to a prior judgment in Bata India Ltd. vs. Dinesh Prasad, which had been decided by the District Commission in Chandigarh. In this landmark decision, the commission had ruled that retail companies should provide free carry bags to customers, putting an end to the practice of charging extra for them.

The Retailer's Defense:

Reliance Trends contested the complaint, arguing that purchasing a carry bag was optional, and customers were not compelled to buy one. They claimed that Amit had willingly purchased the carry bag, and therefore, there was no deficiency in their service. They also suggested that if a customer felt coerced into buying a carry bag, they could have raised the issue with the store manager at the time, implying that the complaint lacked merit and appeared to be potentially malicious.

The Commission's Ruling:

The Commission made a significant observation based on previous judgments: retail companies cannot charge customers for carry bags used to carry their purchased items. Any charges for carry bags must be clearly displayed inside the store. In light of this, the Commission ruled that Reliance Trends' practice of charging for carry bags, especially for items bought from their store, constituted a deficiency of service. As a result, the commission directed Reliance Trends to refund the Rs. 7 charged for the carry bag and pay an additional compensation of Rs. 3000 for the mental and physical harassment caused, including litigation charges. The company was instructed to comply with this decision within 30 days, and failure to do so would result in interest at a rate of 9% per annum being applied until payment is made.

Conclusion:

This case serves as a significant victory for consumers and reinforces the importance of upholding consumer rights. It highlights the responsibility of retail companies to provide transparent and fair services to their customers. As consumers, we must be aware of our rights and be willing to stand up against unfair practices. The ruling against Reliance Trends sets a precedent that will likely impact how retail stores handle the issue of carry bag charges in the future. It reminds us that businesses must always prioritize customer satisfaction and adhere to the law, ensuring a fair and just marketplace for all.