A consumer commission in Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh, has imposed a hefty penalty of ₹7 lakh on a temple shop for violating Maximum Retail Price (MRP) regulations. The shop was found guilty of charging a devotee ₹7 more than the printed price for a packaged water bottle.
The incident involved Satya Deva Fancy Coconuts and Cool Drinks, a licensed vendor operating within the revered Sri Veera Venkata Satyanarayana Swamy Devasthanam in Annavaram. According to the complaint filed by devotee D. Venkateswara Rao, he purchased a one-litre water bottle for ₹25, despite its MRP clearly stating ₹18.
The Kakinada District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission reviewed the complaint and supporting evidence, issuing its order on August 28, 2026. The commission unequivocally determined that the licensee had engaged in an unfair trade practice by selling a product above its legally mandated price.
Unfair Trade Practice Confirmed
The commission emphasized that the MRP is the highest price at which any packaged product can be sold to a consumer. It stated that such conduct directly violates Section 2(47) of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, classifying it as an unfair trade practice and a deficiency in service, as it denies consumers their legal protections.
Significant Penalties and Compensation
As a punitive measure, the shop's licensee has been directed to deposit ₹7 lakh into the Consumer Welfare Fund. This substantial penalty aims to deter similar illegal practices, particularly in public spaces and pilgrimage centers where consumers may be more vulnerable to exploitation.
In addition to the fine, the commission ordered the shop to refund the ₹7 overcharged to Mr. Rao. He will also receive ₹10,000 as compensation for the inconvenience and ₹5,000 to cover his litigation expenses. The shop has 45 days to comply with these directives; any delay will incur an annual interest rate of 9% on the outstanding amounts.
Furthermore, the temple authorities have been instructed to exercise their supervisory responsibilities. They must ensure that all licensed shops within the temple premises clearly display the MRP for all packaged products, safeguarding consumer rights.