Customer complaint over Shoppers Stop carry bag charges rejected; fined Rs 10K
A Hyderabad district consumer commission rejected a complaint against Shoppers Stop regarding a Rs 10 charge for a paper carry bag, imposing a Rs 10,000 fine on the complainant for filing a 'false and frivolous' case. The commission ruled that the carry bag was optional and not a 'pre-packed commodity,' noting the complainant had filed a similar case previously.
Why it matters
This ruling sets a precedent for consumer complaints regarding optional carry bag charges, clarifying legal interpretations for retailers and consumers, and potentially deterring frivolous lawsuits in India.
NEW DELHI: A Hyderabad district consumer commission has dismissed a complaint against Shoppers Stop over a Rs 10 paper carry bag charge and imposed Rs 10,000 exemplary costs on the complainant for filing what it termed a false and frivolous case. The commission directed Rs 5,000 to be paid to the retailer and the remaining Rs 5,000 to be deposited in the Consumer Welfare Fund. The order was passed on August 31, 2026.Why did the consumer approach the commission?According to the commission order, Suresh Kumar Amruthaluri purchased clothes from Shoppers Stop on March 10, 2025, for Rs 1,609. He was charged Rs 10 for a customized paper carry bag along with Rs 1.52 as GST at 18 percent.Amruthaluri alleged that the retailer had failed to properly describe the carry bag on the invoice and had violated labelling requirements under the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011.
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