Balangir: The consumer disputes redressal commission, Balangir, slapped a fine of Rs 33,000 on a shopping mall for charging a customer Rs 16 for a carry bag. Suryakanta Bag lodged the petition last Oct after he was asked to pay the amount for a cotton carry bag along with purchased items worth Rs 2,941.
The commission passed a verdict after examining all evidence submitted by Bag and directed the shopping mall to refund the amount charged for the bag.The management was also directed to pay a fine of Rs 20,000 and Rs 10,000 for mental harassment besides Rs 3,000 towards litigation cost.
Bag said he is very happy with the verdict which protected the legitimate rights of a consumer. He urged public to be aware about consumer rights and knock on the door of the commission whenever their rights are denied by the merchandiser.
Bag said he and his family members visited the shopping mall in Sept 2023. They purchased dresses worth Rs 2,900. When he went to pay the bill, the staff asked him to pay an additional Rs 16 for the carry bag.
“I refused to pay for the bag and asked him to give me the bag without any extra charge so that I can carry the dresses. Despite repeated request, he argued with me and deducted the cost of the bag,” said Bag, adding, “I decided to knock on the door of the consumer court so that no other customer has to pay for a bag.”

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