The district consumer disputes redressal forum, UT Chandigarh, has directed a store run by Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Limited and Big Bazaar at Elante Mall to pay compensation to two persons in different complaints. The stores have been penalised for charging money for carry bags. This decision comes after when the cases which were filed last year; however, the decision was taken last week and the same was uploaded on Monday.

when coming to the facts which were put forth were that, The Big Bazaar has been directed to pay Rs 1,200 as compensation and litigation cost along with Rs 5,000 as “punitive charges” . The store had charged Rs 12 for a carry bag. On the other hand, Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Limited has been asked to pay Rs 1,100 as compensation and litigation cost for charging Rs 7 for a carry bag.

Balwinder Singh, a resident of Milk Colony in Dhanas, went for shopping at the Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Limited and he was charged Rs 7 for a carry bag.

As there were two cases filed the facts of second cases were  against Big Bazaar, where Shubham, a resident of Sector 47, said he had purchased some articles on April 19, 2019 and the store charged Rs 12 for a carry bag. It was averred that Big Bazaar had advertised on the carry bag which was sold to him.

In their reply, Big Bazaar stated that the amount for the carry bag was rightly charged as the same was displayed in the store.

let’s know what experts say.?

“A consumer ought to pay for anything and everything she purchases. Carry bag is not a part of the product and hence it’s charged for,” says Ashok K Aggarwal, managing partner at the New Delhi-based Mint Law Associates.

And also, Aggarwal, added that, “It’s not a forced purchase. There are no hidden charges, concealment of facts, breach of trust, or unfair practice adopted by the seller who declares the price of a carry bag up front. To buy or not to buy is a consumer’s decision.”

‘This suggests that the Chandigarh consumer forum’s order against Bata can be challenged.’

As far my opinion is concerned the sellers should not charge money for carry bags.

when coming to what the honourable Court decided it was as the forum, however, stated that, “The stores failed to produce any convincing evidence in the shape of rules authorising it to levy additional charges for carry bags and said the same amounted to unfair trade practice on their part.”

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