Annavaram Temple: Shopkeeper Fined Rs 7 Lakh for Overcharging on Water Bottle
The commission directed the shopkeeper to pay Rs 10,000 to the complainant as compensation and Rs 5,000 towards litigation expenses. It also ordered the shopkeeper to deposit Rs 7 lakh towards the Consumer Welfare Fund.
A shopkeeper was fined Rs 7 lakh for allegedly selling a water bottle above its maximum retail price (MRP) at the Annavaram temple in Kakinada district.
The District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission issued the orders on August 28.
According to the complaint, D. Venkateswara Rao of Pithapuram visited Annavaram on February 22. He purchased a water bottle from Satyadev Fancy and Cool Drinks at Satyagiri. Although the MRP printed on the bottle was Rs 18, the shop owner allegedly charged him Rs 25, collecting Rs 7 more than the MRP.
When Venkateswara Rao questioned the shopkeeper about the additional charge, he allegedly did not provide any explanation. The customer subsequently brought the matter to the attention of the temple authorities through WhatsApp. However, he claimed that no action was taken.
He then approached the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission and filed a complaint.
After examining the complaint and the evidence submitted, the commission found that the shopkeeper had charged the customer an additional Rs 7 over the printed MRP.
The commission directed the shopkeeper to pay Rs 10,000 to the complainant as compensation and Rs 5,000 towards litigation expenses. It also ordered the shopkeeper to deposit Rs 7 lakh towards the Consumer Welfare Fund.
The commission directed the shopkeeper to comply with the orders within seven days.
