Published on: May 24, 2024 23:07 IST
In a landmark judgment, the Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission in Thrissur has ordered Britannia Industries Ltd and Chukkiri Royal Bakery to compensate a consumer for selling biscuit packages with significantly less weight than declared. The judgment was delivered in response to a case filed by George Thattil from Varakara, Thrissur District, and marks a crucial victory for consumer rights.
The complaint, filed by George Thattil on March 3, 2020, alleged that he purchased two packages of “Britannia Nutri Choice Thin Arrow Root Biscuits” from Chukkiri Royal Bakery on December 4, 2019. Despite being marked to weigh 300g each, the packages were found to weigh only 268g and 249g, respectively. Thattil lodged a complaint with the Assistant Controller of the Flying Squad, Legal Metrology, Thrissur, leading to a subsequent verification confirming the weight discrepancy.
Ex-Parte Proceedings and Verdict Highlights
Both Britannia Industries Ltd and Chukkiri Royal Bakery failed to appear before the commission or file their written versions, resulting in ex-parte proceedings against them. The Commission, led by Sri. C.T. Sabu as President, Smt. Sreeja S. and Sri. Ram Mohan R. as members, made several critical observations:
- Establishment of Short Weight: The evidence presented by Thattil established a shortfall of more than 52g in net weight, violating the declared 300g.
- Unfair Trade Practice and Deficiency in Service: Selling articles in quantities less than what was paid for was deemed an unfair trade practice and a deficiency in service, contravening legal statutes.
- Compensation and Costs: Thattil was awarded Rs. 50,000 as compensation for financial loss, agony, and hardship, along with Rs. 10,000 towards costs, with 9% interest per annum.
- Directive to Discontinue Illicit Practices: The commission directed both parties to cease the practice of selling commodities in quantities less than declared, with the Controller of Legal Metrology, Kerala, instructed to conduct statewide inspections to ensure compliance.
Upholding Consumer Rights
In justifying its decision, the Commission referenced previous orders emphasizing the consequences of non-response to legal notices and reiterated the crucial role of the Consumer Protection Act in safeguarding consumer rights. The ruling underscores the importance of accurate quantity declarations for packaged commodities and serves as a warning to entities engaging in deceptive trade practices.
The verdict in the case of George Thattil Vs. The Proprietor, Chukkiri Royal Bakery, represents a significant milestone in consumer protection jurisprudence, highlighting the accountability of businesses in ensuring fair trade practices and upholding consumer trust.