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Consumer Commission Slams Online Platform for MRP Deception
26 Oct
Summary
- Online platform charged more than MRP, disguised by discounts.
- Consumer commission ruled this practice as an unfair trade.
- Platform ordered to pay compensation and litigation expenses.
The Ranga Reddy District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission has ruled that charging prices above the Maximum Retail Price (MRP) and then advertising discounts on these inflated prices constitutes an unfair trade practice. The commission rejected the online platform's defense of a pricing error.
A consumer had complained about being overcharged for products, including tender jackfruit and instant poha. One item with an MRP of Rs 150 was listed at Rs 214 before discount, resulting in a final charge of Rs 184, which was Rs 34 over the MRP.
The platform claimed the discrepancy was a technical error and that it had refunded the full product cost. However, the commission found the practice lacked transparency and misled consumers. The platform was ordered to pay Rs 2,000 in compensation and Rs 5,000 for litigation costs.
Additionally, the company must deposit Rs 50,000 into the consumer legal aid account. This ruling highlights the importance of checking MRPs against online charges, as discounts do not legitimize overcharging.
