Consumer Court Orders Rs 10,000 Compensation After Shop Overcharged Customer By 50 Paise

Small amounts added to a bill often go unnoticed during everyday shopping, especially when they appear as a round-off. However, a recent consumer court ruling has clarified that even an additional charge of 50 paise, if collected without the customer’s consent, can amount to an unfair trade practice.

The Rajasthan State Consumer Commission has now passed its ruling in a case involving a Jaipur-based grocery store, where a customer was charged Rs 50 for a 500-gram packet of kidney beans, commonly known as rajma, instead of its printed price of Rs 49.50. The consumer had alleged that the extra 50 paise had been added through rounding off without his approval.

When the customer questioned the charge and asked for refund, the shopkeeper reportedly asked him to provide 50 paise in change. While the customer offered the amount, it was not accepted. He then requested to return the product but the shop refused by stating that goods could not be taken back now.

After the incident, the customer approached the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission in Jaipur by claiming unfair trade practice and deficiency in service. He also sought compensation along with litigation expenses.

The district commission proceeded with the case after the shop failed to respond or submit its defence. It directed a refund of the excess 50 paise with interest and awarded compensation and costs, taking the total amount to Rs 20,000, including Rs 15,000 for mental agony and Rs 5,000 as litigation expenses.

The shop later challenged the order before the Rajasthan State Consumer Commission.

While hearing the appeal, the state commission noted that the shop had not provided any reply or evidence to dispute the allegations at any stage. According to a report by the Times of India, it held that collecting an unauthorised amount through rounding off, without the customer’s consent, was not justified and amounted to an unfair trade practice and deficiency in service.

However, the commission observed that the compensation awarded by the district forum was excessive considering the nature of the dispute. It reduced the compensation to Rs 10,000, including Rs 7,000 for mental distress and Rs 3,000 towards litigation costs. The amount is to be paid within two months, failing which it will attract an annual interest of 9 per cent.