D.K. CHOPRA Vs. SNACK BAR

JUDGEMENT

(1.) We were flummoxed to know that service providers/Traders, charge more money, almost, the double, from the 'consumers', with impunity. No 'special' law or rule, saw the light of the day, in favour of the Stall-owners, at the Airports.

(2.) The respondent has a Snack Bar, a Unit of Saptagiri Restaurant at Kamraj Domestic Terminal, Chennai Airport, Chennai. Snack Bar is neither a Restaurant nor has place to sit. It sells the goods, as if it were a Stall. It sold 'red-bull' 'energy drink', to Shri D.K.Chopra, the complainant/petitioner. Its MRP is Rs.75/-, but it was sold at Rs.150/-, per can and Rs.300/- for two cans, on 01.11.2009. It again sold one 'red bull' 'energy drink', at Rs.140/- on the same day, to Sh.D.K. Chopra, Resident of Delhi. Legal notice was sent, but it did not ring the bell. Ultimately, a complaint was filed before the District Forum, with the prayer to pay a sum of Rs.2,00,000/- for the harassment and mental agony and Rs.11,000/- towards legal expenses and to pay travel expenses. Snack Bar, the respondent/OP did not contest the case before the District Forum. The District Forum dismissed the complaint.

(3.) The State Commission, too, dismissed the First Appeal, filed by the complainant, on the following reasons. Firstly, the petitioner/ complainant has failed to prove, what is the Maximum Retail Price (MRP) of the product. Secondly, he had produced two Receipts, Ex.A1, in the sum of Rs.300/- and Ex.A-2, in the sum of Rs.140/-. Ex.A-1, was not signed. Ex.A-2, was signed. Again, copy of the legal notice was also not filed.