Bangalore District Commission Holds 'Make O Toothsi Skin Centre' Liable For Failure To Provide Adequate Laser Service

Brief Facts:

The Complainant sought laser hair removal treatment from Make O Toothsi Skin (“Skin Centre”) after initial inquiries. Convinced by its assurances, the Complainant paid Rs. 499/- for trial sessions. Satisfied with the trial, the Complainant subsequently paid Rs. 36,000/- for a full body treatment, relying on the Skin Centre's assurance of home service availability even with location changes. However, the service quality during the first home session fell short of expectations which led to the Complainant's dissatisfaction. Despite informing the Skin Centre of a location change through their app, the Complainant was later informed that the new area was not serviceable. Attempts to schedule subsequent sessions at the Skin Centre were not fulfilled due to the unavailability of therapists and poor communication.

Feeling aggrieved, the Complainant filed a consumer complaint in the Additional District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission-I, Bangalore, Karnataka (“District Commission”) against the Skin Centre. The Skin Centre didn't appear before the District Commission for the proceedings.

Observations by the District Commission:

The District Commission noted that the Skin Centre informed the Complainant that the new area was not serviceable. Later, it acknowledged and apologized for the incomplete first session. Despite this, when the Complainant visited the Skin Centre for the second session, she was informed that no therapist was available at the appointed time.

The District Commission held that the Complainant endured significant inconvenience and disappointment due to the Skin Centre's failure to provide adequate service and resolve issues promptly. It held that the Skin Centre's refusal to provide service at the changed location, despite receiving the full payment of Rs. 36,000/- in advance and promising satisfactory service after repeated unreasonable delays, indicated a lack of professionalism. Therefore, it held the Skin Centre liable for deficiency in services and unfair trade practices.

The District Commission directed the Skin Centre to refund a sum of Rs. 36,000/- to the Complainant along with interest at 10% per annum. Further, the Skin Centre was directed to pay Rs. 3,000/- towards the Complainant's litigation expenses and Rs. 5,000/- towards compensation for mental agony.

Case Title: Nidhi Singh vs The Authorized Signatory, Make O Toothsi Skin

Case Number: Consumer Complaint No. 90/2024

Date of Order: 20.06.2024