LI Network
Published on: December 04, 2023 at 13:10 IST
The Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission in Ernakulam, Kerala, has ruled that issuing poorly printed bills on low-quality paper with inferior ink constitutes an ‘unfair trade practice’ and a ‘deficiency of service’.
The bench, led by President D.B. Binu and Members V. Ramachandran and Sreevidhia T.N., relied on the precedent set in Tata Chemicals Ltd. vs Skypak Couriers Pvt. Ltd. (2001), emphasizing the importance of clear billing details for consumers.
The Commission mandated durable and legible bills, ensuring comprehensive itemization, clear indications of prices, taxes, and return policies.
The directive applies to all government, public, and private organizations in Kerala, as stated by the Kerala State Department of Consumer Affairs in July 2019.
The ruling arose from a complaint by a lawyer who purchased an HP laptop facing issues within a month. Despite warranty service replacing only the keyboard, further problems persisted. Rejection of replacement requests citing a 14-day policy led to the complainant seeking compensation for damages, totaling Rs. 1,00,000/-, along with Rs. 25,000/- for proceedings.
Considering the illegible original tax invoice, the Commission underscored the Kerala State directive’s importance and deemed the poorly printed bills a deficiency in service and unfair trade practice.
It directed Hewlett-Packard Global Soft PVT Ltd. to replace the faulty laptop or reimburse the full purchase price. The opposite parties were ordered to pay Rs. 50,000/- as compensation for mental and physical hardships, damages, and Rs. 20,000/- for proceedings.
Case Title: M.S. Sajeev Kumar v. Hewlet-Packard Global Soft PVT Ltd. & Ors.,