HP: Hamirpur consumer panel fines JioMart of over Rs 72,000 for deficiency in service, unfair trade

Hamirpur (HP), June 28 (PTI) The District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission here has found JioMart (Ghodawat Consumer Pvt. Ltd.) guilty of deficiency in service, mental harassment and unfair trade practice, and directed the firm to pay a total compensation of Rs 72,263 to a complainant.

The complaint was filed by Babita Rani from Darkoti village. She had ordered 30 kg of rice of the brand "The Star, 555 JSR Lachkari/Wada Kolam" through an online platform and received it on August 20, 2023.

However, upon opening the bag, she found the rice had a foul odour and after consuming it, her entire family fell ill, she said.

Advocate Anil Kumar, representing the complainant, argued that the product was hazardous to health.

The Commission found the rice to be mixed with non-permitted basic colour based on a food laboratory report and categorised it as "unsafe food".

The Commission directed the company to refund Rs 2,263, the price of the rice, along with nine per cent annual interest. It also directed payment of Rs 30,000 for mental harassment, Rs 20,000 towards litigation expenses, and an additional Rs 20,000 to be deposited in the District Consumer Legal Aid Fund, Kangra.

The bench, comprising Chairman Hemanshu Mishra and Member Sneh Lata, also ordered the company to refrain from selling unsafe rice in future and to stop the use of non-permitted colour in food products. PTI COR BPL OZ OZ