A smart bazaar in Bilaspur is facing a penalty for overcharging a customer by 3 rupees on a 1 kg packet of tea leaves. Following a consumer complaint, the District Consumer Commission investigated the matter and issued an order. The smart bazaar is now required to pay the customer a total of 3,000 rupees, which includes the 3 rupees overcharged, an additional 2,000 rupees for mental anguish experienced by the customer, and 1,000 rupees to cover the costs of the legal proceedings. The bazaar must comply with these directives within a 45-day timeframe.
The case involved Zayra Amina, a resident of Sarkanda, who bought a 1 kg packet of Tata Agni Leaf Tea from a Reliance Smart Bazaar located on Cipat Road on April 15, 2025. Despite the packet having an MRP of 235 rupees, the store charged her 238 rupees. When she complained, no action was taken by the store.
Subsequently, the consumer filed a formal complaint with the consumer forum. After reviewing the evidence, the forum ruled in the consumer’s favor. The company was ordered to refund the 3 rupees overcharged and provide a total compensation of 3,000 rupees, encompassing mental distress and legal expenses.
The verdict was delivered by the District Consumer Commission’s bench, led by Chairman Anand Kumar Singhal and supported by members Purnima Singh and Alok Pandey. The commission concluded that charging more than the MRP was not only an unfair practice but also a lapse in the quality of service provided.