Directives issued to pay Rs.10,000 for litigation expenses

THIRUVALLUR (TAMIL NADU): In a Significant Consumer Rights Victory, the District Consumer Forum in Thiruvallur has ruled against the food division of ITC Ltd, directing the company to pay a compensation of Rs 1 lakh to a customer who received one biscuit less than advertised in a packet of the company's biscuit brand, 'Sunfeast Marie Light.'

The Chennai-based Consumer, P. Dillibabu, had filed a complaint asserting that the packet claimed to contain 16 biscuits but actually contained one less. The District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum, in its recent order, not only ordered the compensation but also mandated the discontinuation of the sale of the disputed batch numbered '0502C36.'

ITC Ltd had argued that the challenge to the weight of the biscuits was not applicable, as the product was sold based on weight, not the number of biscuits. However, the forum rejected this argument, emphasizing that the product packaging clearly conveyed information to buyers, and consumers expected to purchase the product based on the number of biscuits mentioned on the wrapper.

The Consumer Forum, recognizing the significance of the case, directed ITC Ltd to pay Dilibabu Rs 1 lakh as compensation and an additional Rs 10,000 to cover litigation expenses. This ruling underscores the importance of transparent product labeling and consumer protection in addressing grievances related to product quality and quantity.