Consumer forum orders Reliance Retail to compensate the buyer forced to purchase a carry bag

Consumer forum orders Reliance Retail to compensate the buyer forced to purchase a carry bag

If not paid within 60 days, the fine of Rs.7,024.90 will carry a 12 percent interest

The District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission has ordered Reliance Retail Limited to refund the money the complainant spent on a carry bag that he was forced to buy.

The Commission comprising M Shobha (president) and Renukadevi Deshpande and H Janardhan (members), further directed Reliance to pay him Rs.5000 as compensation and Rs.2000 towards litigation expenses.

In July 2002, the complainant, a lawyer, was returning with his wife from a temple. They decided to visit the shop Reliance Smart and purchased items worth Rs.2,007.30. Hence, they had to ask for a carry bag.

The complainant stated that he had no prior plan to go shopping and that is why he was not carrying his own carry bag. He was shocked to later note in his bill that he was charged Rs.24.90 for the carry bag as item No.18.

The complainant pointed out that malls provided free carry bags, which was repeatedly pointed out by national and state commissions, and it was a criterion under the Consumer Protection Act.

He maintained that Reliance was in the business of selling goods of various brands, including its own name and style. Therefore, it must supply carry bags free of cost. He further stated that the company took advantage of advertising itself through carry bags, without spending a single penny, which was illegal.

The Commission observed that Reliance did not allow consumers to carry their own bags inside. Hence, it was the duty of the company to provide carry bags to its customers free of charge. It could not expect the customers to carry groceries in their hands. Reliance was also bound to inform the consumers to bring their own carry bags.

While a notice was issued to Reliance, it failed to appear before the Commission to contest the matter. The bench noted that the complainant had clearly established unfair trade practices or defective practices on the part of the company.

Thus, the Consumer forum ordered Reliance to refund the amount of Rs.24.90, along with a compensation of Rs.5,000 and litigation cost of Rs.2,000 to the complainant within 60 days. On failing to do so, Rs.7,024.90 would carry a 12 percent interest.