Chennai: The District Consumer Disptues Redressal Forum, Chennai (South), has slapped a fine of Rs 15,000 on a famous packaged drinking water unit for selling water with insects to a an actor 10 years ago. Soon after drinking the contaminated water, the comedian had fallen sick.
In the petition, ‘Joker’ Thulasi of Vadapalani said that he has been purchasing bubble top water jars supplied by M/s Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd from August 2009. On October 11, 2009, a staffer from M/s. Bharathi Agencies, Kodambakkam, delivered a 20 litre water jar at his house. As he was thirsty he drank water from the jar. Immediately after drinking the water he fell sick and he also noticed insects floating in the water. Later, he underwent treatment in a hospital.
He lodged a complaint with the area sales manager, M/s. Bisleri International Pvt Ltd, Poonamallee. On October 13, 2009, a staffer visited his house and noticed insects floating in the Bisleri jar and took it saying that he would solve the problem in a week after consulting head office at Mumbai.
He issued notice to area sales manager, Poonamallee, managing director, M/s. Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd., Andheri (East), Mumbai and manager, M/s. Bharathi Agencies, Kodambakkam. However, there was no response from them. Hence, he approached the forum seeking direction for compensation from them.
Denying the allegation M/s. Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd., stated that they were providing quality service to consumers. The entire water purification plant was a sterilized area and fully air-conditioned. Hence, there was no chance of any insect in the area. The water was purified using Reverse Osmosis method. They complied with not only legal but also statutory requirements.
The bench comprising president M. Mony, members K. Amala and Dr. T.Paul Rajasekaran said considering the facts and circumstances of the case, this forum is of the considered view that M/s. Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd and M/s. Bharathi Agencies are jointly and severally liable to refund Rs 60 towards cost of the Bisleri packaged drinking water jar and compensation of Rs 15,000 to Joker Thulasi for his mental agony.
