Shivamogga: District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum, Shivamogga, has imposed a fine of Rs. 5,000 on owner of a liquor shop for collecting Rs. 42 above Maximum Retail Price (MRP) from customer.

The order was issued by a Bench consisting of Forum President C.M. Chanchala and Savita B. Pattanashetty and P.V. Lingaraju, members. 

The owner of Srinidhi Wines, Ratnakar Shetty, was ordered to pay Rs. 5,000 which included Rs. 1,000 for causing mental agony, Rs. 2,500 as Court expenses and deficiency service and Rs. 1,000 for charging Rs. 42 additional charges with an annual interest of 10 percent, to the complainant, C. Shivaram.

Details: On Sept. 21 last year, Shivaram of Bhadravathi had purchased 21 packets of 90 ML whisky from a wine store in Shivamogga. 

The MRP of each packet was Rs. 27.98 and accordingly, the bill should have been Rs. 587.58. However, the shop owner had demanded Rs. 630. 

Upon enquiry, the shop owner Shetty gave evasive reply. Upset over this, Shivaram had registered a complaint against Shetty and demanded a compensation of Rs. 95,000.

During enquiry, the shop owner claimed that such big quantity liquor was not purchased by individual for personal use but for functions.

They had also given packing material for carrying 21 packets and Rs. 45 was charged for this purpose. Usually, all customers throw the bills after purchasing liquor. But, the complainant had taken the bill of other customers with other motive. However, Shetty failed to produce evidence to substantiate his charges. 

Not satisfied over the owner’s reply, the Forum passed its order quoting the National Consumer Redressal Commission’s judgements in Hotel Nyay Mandir Vs Eshwarlal Jeevabhai Desai, Snack Bar Vs D.K. Chopra cases, and directed Shetty to pay compensation within the stipulated period or else to pay with 10 percent annual interest.