Current Summary
The Uttarakhand State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission has ruled that shopkeepers are under no legal obligation to provide free carry bags to customers, particularly when customers are informed of the charge and agree to pay it. A bench of President Kumkum Rani and Member B S Manral, in an order dated October 30, dismissed an appeal filed by Dr Ramesh Singh Danu against Vishal Mega Mart over an Rs 18 charge for a carry bag. The dispute arose after Danu purchased goods worth Rs 1,435 from a Vishal Mega Mart outlet in Almora on January 18, 2023, and was billed Rs 18 for the bag. After a legal notice to the retailer went unanswered, he approached the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission in Almora, alleging unfair trade practice; that commission dismissed his complaint in August 2024, prompting his appeal to the State Commission. The State Commission held that charging for a carry bag does not amount to an unfair trade practice when the customer is informed of the price and free to decline the purchase, noting there is no law mandating shopkeepers provide carry bags at no cost.
What We Know
- Order dated October 30 by the Uttarakhand State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission.
- Bench comprised President Kumkum Rani and Member B S Manral.
- Dispute originated from an Rs 18 carry bag charge at a Vishal Mega Mart outlet in Almora in January 2023.
- The District Commission in Almora had earlier dismissed the same complaint in August 2024.
- The State Commission held there is no legal requirement for shopkeepers to supply free carry bags.
What Is Still Unclear
- Whether the ruling will be cited in other pending consumer disputes over bag charges in the state.
What Changed
- 3 Nov, 10:51 amSignal detected: Uttarakhand Consumer Commission Rules Shopkeepers Need Not Give Free Carry Bags