Shopping Mall in Odisha’s Balangir Fined ₹33,000 for Charging Customer for Carry Bag

Balangir: A consumer dispute in Odisha’s Balangir has resulted in a significant penalty for a major retail chain. The District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission fined Vishal Mega Mart Rs 33,000 for charging a customer Rs 16 for a carry bag.

The incident occurred when Suryakant Bag, accompanied by his children, made purchases totalling over Rs 2,900 at the mall. Upon checkout, Bag was informed he would need to pay an additional Rs 16 for a carry bag to transport his goods.

Dissatisfied with this practice, Bag filed a complaint with the consumer forum in October, 2023. The commission’s ruling in favour of the consumer highlights the importance of fair business practices and consumer rights awareness.

When approached for comment, mall officials stated that decisions on such matters are made by the company’s head office in Delhi.