Hyderguda D-Mart fined Rs.10k for illegal carry bag charge

Hyderabad: District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission has asked D-Mart, Hydergud, to pay Rs. 10,000 compensation to a consumer for charging Rs. 3.50 for a carry bag.

Complainant V. Narasimha Murthy, a resident of Himayatnagar, had made purchases for Rs. 479 from D Mart in December 2019.

D-Mart had refused to provide their logo-printed carry bag free of cost and insisted on paying Rs. 3.50. The complainant had to pay for a carry bag printed with its logo.

The matter was taken up with D Mart head office on the same day and it assured to resolve the matter within 48 hours.

D-Mart in its written version contends that customers are informed with signage present at the entrance door before he or she even begins to shop with them. It said that "carry bags are sold" to ensure and allow the customers to decide whether or not it requires a bag.

The company said the complainant has engaged in unwarranted and frivolous litigation, causing uncalled-for harassment, and embarrassment to D-Mart. It said the complainant does not deserve any discretionary relief from Commission.

After going through the submission, the commission quoted the National Consumer Dispute Redressal Commission, New Delhi, decision. The decision read: "We cannot expect that for every single item intended to be purchased by the customer, he needs to carry a separate bag because they are not allowed to enter the shop with their bag. So, no option is left except to buy the bag along with goods".

"By not allowing customers to take own carry bag in shop premises, and thrusting its own carry bag against consideration, the appellant is deficient in providing service and also indulged into unfair trade practice," the commission said.

The commission asked D-Mart to refund an amount of Rs.3.50 to the customer and pay an amount of Rs.10,000 compensation for causing inconvenience, mental agony, and cost of the litigation.