Hyderabad: IKEA in Hyderabad has been directed by the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, Rangareddy, to pay a sum of Rs 1,000 to a customer for causing distress by over charging for a paper carry bag.
The consumer from Hyderabad had purchased items worth Rs 816 from Ikea in June 2021 and was reportedly not provided with a carry bag. He was then asked to buy a carry bag with the IKEA logo printed on it for Rs 20. An argument broke out between the staff and the customer where he argued that it was an unfair trade practice.
IKEA in their statement said that it does not force customers to purchase carry bags and instead allows them to bring their own bags. However, the Commission held that IKEA was not permitted to charge for carrying bags that displayed their logo.
The Commission also instructed IKEA store in Hyderabad to deposit Rs 5,000 in the Consumer Legal Aid Account of the Commission to create awareness about the Consumer Protection Act.
Further, they also stated that all orders must be complied within 45 days from April 8, failing which an interest rate of 24% per annum will be levied on the fine of Rs 5,000.
The ruling serves as a reminder to businesses in the city to make sure that their practices are in line with consumer protection laws. Moreover, we must understand that is punishable to sell carry bags that display brand logos.
