Brand Factory at Shyamal to pay compensation of Rs 1,500 to a consumer who had taken exception to sale of a carry bag worth Rs10 by the store.

A consumer court has ordered multibrand clothing retailer Brand Factory at Shyamal Crossroads to pay compensation of Rs 1,500 to a consumer who had taken exception to sale of a carry bag worth Rs10 by the store. 

The Consumer Dispute Redressal Commission, Ahmedabad (rural), last week also ordered Brand Factory to return Rs 10 to the customer, Maulin Fadia from Shahibaug, with 8% interest.

Fadia had sued the store taking exception to the sale of Rs 10 carry bag. The bag was made out of colourful paper bearing names of all branches of the store.

According to case details, Fadia went shopping and purchased goods worth Rs 2,486 on May 10, 2019. As he was not carrying any bag with him to carry the clothes, the store gave him a carry bag but charged additional Rs 10 for the same. Fadia objected to the sale. Later, he dragged the issue to the consumer court claiming compensation and fine. 

Before the consumer commission, the store’s advocate submitted that a clear display notice has been placed at the desk and on case counters that those customers who are not willing to purchase carry bags may bring their own bags. Customers are not forced to purchase carry bags. The store does not give carry bags for free. Since plastic bags cause damage to the environment, it has decided to offer paper bags.

Fadia’s lawyer countered the argument that no notice was visible when the customer had visited the store. The notice board might have been placed later in order to create a defence.

The consumer commission agreed with Fadia’s argument. It is not always that customers carry bags when they go shopping. “Therefore, we believe that the opponent should give a carry bag for free,” it said.

After hearing the case, the commission ordered a refund of Rs 10 charged for the bag. It asked Brand Factory to pay Rs 1,000 to Fadia towards compensation for causing mental harassment and Rs 500 to make for his legal expenditure.

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