Ahmedabad: It began with a bill dispute of just Rs 15, but Chirag Jha pursued it for nearly seven years and has now won a consumer commission order directing Brand Factory to refund the amount with interest and pay him Rs 4,000 as compensation.
The case stems from a shopping trip in Sept 2019, when Jha bought multiple items from Brand Factory’s Ahmedabad outlet, including a pair of shorts carrying a maximum retail price (MRP) of Rs 599, stated as inclusive of all taxes. After a 50% discount, the shorts were billed at Rs 299, but the invoice allegedly added another Rs 15 as central and state GST , taking the total to around Rs 314.
It ordered Brand Factory to refund Rs 15 with 7% annual interest from the date the complaint was filed until payment, and awarded Jha Rs 4,000 in compensation.
Brand Factory disputed the allegation, contending that GST was payable on the discounted price as per applicable tax laws, and said the collected tax had been deposited with the central and state govts. Jha objected to the additional GST, arguing that when the price tag declared the MRP was inclusive of all taxes, the retailer could not charge GST over and above the discounted selling price. He approached the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, Ahmedabad (Additional), alleging unfair trade practice and seeking a refund and compensation. To support his complaint, Jha submitted purchase invoices, newspaper advertisements about the retailer’s discount offers, and the garment’s price tag. The commission noted a mismatch between the price tag’s claim that the MRP included all taxes and the invoice that showed GST being charged separately. Emphasising consumer protection, the commission observed, “Neither the seller nor the manufacturer company or service provider should be allowed to evade the legal obligation towards the consumer interest under the Consumer Protection Act. You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Ahmedabad | Silver Rate in Ahmedabad | Bank Holidays in Ahmedabad | Public Holidays in Ahmedabad | Ahmedabad AQI | Weather in Ahmedabad | Petrol Price in Ahmedabad | Diesel Price in Ahmedabad | CNG Price in Ahmedabad | LPG Price in Ahmedabad