A smart bazaar in Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh, has been penalized for overcharging a customer by 3 rupees on a packet of tea leaves. The District Consumer Commission intervened after a complaint was filed. The ruling mandates the bazaar to compensate the customer with 3,000 rupees. This compensation includes the original 3 rupees overcharged, along with 2,000 rupees for the mental distress suffered by the customer, and 1,000 rupees to cover the litigation expenses. The bazaar has been given 45 days to comply with the order.
The case originated when Zayra Amina, 21, from Sarkanda, bought a 1 kg packet of Tata Agni Leaf Tea from the Reliance Smart Bazaar on Cipat Road on April 15, 2025. The shop charged her 238 rupees, exceeding the MRP of 235 rupees. Despite the customer’s initial complaint, no action was taken by the store.
Following this, the consumer filed a complaint with the consumer forum. After considering the case, the forum agreed that the customer’s rights were violated. Consequently, the company was ordered to reimburse the 3 rupees within 45 days, along with 3,000 rupees as compensation for mental suffering and legal fees.
The judgment was passed by the District Consumer Commission, presided over by Chairman Anand Kumar Singhal, along with members Purnima Singh and Alok Pandey. The commission found that charging above the MRP was not only unethical but also constituted a failure in providing proper service to the customer.