Footwear retailer Red Tape has been ordered to pay a customer ₹8,010 after a consumer commission found its ₹10 charge for a carry bag to be an unfair trade practice. The ruling, issued by the Rohtak, Haryana consumer commission, mandates a refund of the bag fee along with significant compensation for the customer.
The Complaint Against Red Tape
The case originated when a customer purchased a pair of shoes for ₹2,069.70 from a Red Tape outlet in Rohtak on April 1, 2023. An additional ₹10 was levied for a carry bag. The customer objected to this charge, arguing that it was illegal and that the store staff refused to provide a bag without the extra fee, citing company policy.
Following the refusal, the customer approached the consumer commission, seeking not only a refund of the ₹10 but also ₹50,000 in compensation for harassment and ₹22,000 for litigation expenses.
Red Tape's Defense and the Commission's Findings
In its defense, Red Tape claimed the charge was implemented to promote environmental responsibility and reduce the misuse of free bags. The company stated that customers were informed via signage at the store entrance to bring their own bags and that purchasing a bag was optional, not mandatory. They also argued that the carry bags did not feature any brand logos or promotional material.
However, the consumer commission, comprising President Nagender Singh Kadian and Members Tripti Pannu and Vijender Singh, meticulously reviewed the evidence. The invoice clearly showed the separate ₹10 charge. Crucially, the commission examined an affidavit filed by Red Tape itself, which contained a statement admitting that the company had "unnecessarily charged Rs. 10/- for a carry bag" and that such action was "illegal, arbitrary, and against the provisions of law."
Commission Rules Against the Retailer
The commission concluded that Red Tape's own affidavit weakened its defense and amounted to an admission of wrongdoing. It held that charging separately for a carry bag constituted both a deficiency in service and an unfair trade practice.
The final order directs Red Tape to:
- Refund the ₹10 charged for the carry bag.
- Pay ₹4,000 as compensation to the customer.
- Pay ₹4,000 towards litigation costs.
The total payout amounts to ₹8,010. Red Tape has been given 30 days to comply with the order. Failure to do so will result in an additional penalty of ₹50 per week until the full amount is settled.