Beware! Charging over MRP (maximum retail
price) can result in about 50,000 percent more compensation.
While many retailers, food outlets and
international chains feel they can sneak by charging over MRP under the shade
of taxes, District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum Indore-2 is not going to
let it slide and set an example in their latest verdict against Domino’s Pizza.
Domino's Pizza, Inc., branded as Domino's,
is an American multinational pizza restaurant has been ordered to pay compensation
of Rs 5,000 to a consumer for charging Rs 10 over MRP on a water bottle.
Plaintiff Jitendra Arjane, resident of
Krishna Bagh colony, Indore had raised the complaint against Domino’s Pizza Prime House, Indore and other
outlets.
“On Nov 18, 2013, when we went to pizza at
the outlet, we got thirsty and bought a water bottle of Kinley,” Arjane said.
The water bottle had a printed price of Rs 20.
The plaintiff approached the representative
of the outlet, demanding an explanation for charging Rs 30 for a water bottle
that was priced at Rs 20. The explanation given was service tax.
Since the dispute was not settled by the
representative of Domino’s, Arjane had no other option but to approach Consumer
Forum seeking help.
Defending their case, Domino’s was
represented by advocate Raees Khan and Lalit Inani.
Though delayed and taking about 6 years,
Arjane finally got justice and compensation. “There is also a hope that this
case would inspire consumer’s to fight for their justice and we will have lesser
such cases of unfair trade in the country,” he said.
Domino’s was charged of unfair trade and
taking benefit of consumer and hence, asked to pay compensation by forum
president Om Prakash Sharma and member Sumitra Hatiwala.
In the verdict, Sharma noted the increasing
number of cases of unfair trades and possible harm to innocent consumers, who
fail to understand that MRP is the final possible price that can be charged by
a retailer.
The forum has ordered Domino’s to pay
compensation of Rs 5,000 and Rs 2,000 as fee for consumer forum. Also, the Rs
10 charged over MRP must be paid back with interest of 9 percent per annum from
the date of purchase.
The entire compensation must be cleared
within two months from the verdict, as per the orders.