Clear Communication Of Carry Bag Policy, Chandigarh District Commission Dismisses Complaint Against 24 Seven Store
The District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission-II, U.T. Chandigarh bench of Amrinder Singh Sidhu (President) and B.M. Sharma (Member) dismissed a complaint filed against 24 Seven alleging forceful charging for carrying bags. The bench held that 24 Seven gave a clear-cut notice to its consumers who were visiting its premises to buy the goods that they should bring their carry bags...
The District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission-II, U.T. Chandigarh bench of Amrinder Singh Sidhu (President) and B.M. Sharma (Member) dismissed a complaint filed against 24 Seven alleging forceful charging for carrying bags. The bench held that 24 Seven gave a clear-cut notice to its consumers who were visiting its premises to buy the goods that they should bring their carry bags for environmental concerns. Additionally, paper bags were provided for free and three different types of merchandise bags were also provided for a cost.
Brief Facts:
The Complainant purchased grocery items totalling Rs. 1250/- from 24 Seven and was surprised to find a charge of Rs. 10/- for a carry bag on his bill. He claimed that he was coerced into buying the carry bag. On a subsequent visit, he was again directed to purchase a cotton carry bag costing Rs. 20/-, which displayed the 24 Seven's logo. The Complainant contended that despite his requests, 24-Seven failed to provide a free carry bag. He served a legal notice to 24 Seven requesting a refund for the carry bag, but it was ignored. Feeling aggrieved, the Complainant filed a consumer complaint in the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission-II, U.T. Chandigarh (“District Commission”) against 24 Seven.
24 Seven denied the allegation that the Complainant was forced to purchase carry bags priced at Rs. 10/- and Rs. 20/- and failed to provide a free carry bag. It contended that the Complainant bought both the paper and cotton bags voluntarily and with full knowledge of their costs. It argued that there were clear signs and prior notices informing customers that they were encouraged to bring their bags, and that free paper bags in both small and large sizes were available to all customers. It highlighted that premium carry bags' costs were prominently displayed. It argued that customers were allowed to use their bags for purchased goods.
Observations by the District Commission:
The District Commission referred to a copy of a signboard provided by the Complainant and held that 24 Seven communicated to its customers the policy regarding carry bags. The signboard explicitly stated, "Save The Planet; request you to bring your carry bag," indicating 24 Seven's intention to encourage customers to contribute to environmental conservation by bringing their bags. Furthermore, the District Commission noted that the signboard offered free paper bags to customers, thereby making it clear that customers who did not bring their bags could still obtain a free carry bag if needed.
Additionally, the District Commission noted that the signboard detailed the availability of various types of merchandise bags at specified prices: paper merchandise bags with handles for Rs. 10/-, non-woven merchandise bags with handles for Rs. 10/-, and cotton merchandise bags with handles for Rs. 20/-. Given this clear communication, it held that the Complainant voluntarily chose to purchase the merchandise carry bags with handles.
Therefore, the District Commission dismissed the complaint against 24 Seven.
Case Title: Jaspreet Singh vs 24 Seven
Case Number: 315/2022
Date of Order: 22.05.2024