Bangalore District Commission Holds IKEA India Ltd. Liable For Charging Rs. 20 For Carry Bag With Its Logo

The Additional District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission-I, Bangalore (Karnataka) bench comprising B. Narayanappa (President), Jyothi N (Member) and Sharavathi S.M (Member) held IKEA India liable for deficiency in service and an unfair trade practice for charging extra Rs. 20 for a carry bag and directed it to pay a compensation of Rs. 3,020/- to the complainant.

Brief Facts:

Ms. Sangeetha Bohra (“Complainant”) visited the store of IKEA India Private Limited (“Ikea”) on October 6, 2022. During her visit, she purchased items from the store. However, she was not provided with a carry bag for her purchased items, and Ikea charged her Rs. 20 for a carry bag that had its logo printed on it. This action surprised and displeased the complainant, as she believed that a global organization like Ikea should not engage in such practices. 

The complainant issued a legal notice to Ikea on October 17, 2022. Ikea replied to the notice on October 25, 2022, acknowledging that they had charged for the carry bag but did not refund the amount received for the carry bag. Dissatisfied with Ikea’s response, the complainant filed a consumer complaint in the Additional District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission-I, Bangalore, Karnataka (“District Commission”).

The complainant argued that Ikea’s practice of charging Rs. 20 for a carry bag with its logo constituted an unfair trade practice. She contended that Ikea had failed to provide a free carry bag despite her request, which she believed was against consumer rights. The complainant submitted evidence in the form of invoices and documents to support her claim.

Ikea asserted that the complainant's claim was false, frivolous, and vexatious. It argued that the paper bag was not an essential item that all customers required, and customers had the option to use their bags. Ikea further claimed that it was committed to complying with all laws and did not engage in hidden charges or unfair trade practices.

Observations by the Commission:

The District Commission noted that customers should not be expected to carry their bags for every single item purchased. It held Ikea’s practice of charging for a carry bag without offering the option for customers to carry their bags as a deficiency in service and an unfair trade practice. 

Further, the District Commission held that all expenses incurred to put goods into a deliverable state should be borne by the seller. Consequently, the District Commission directed Ikea to pay the complainant Rs. 20, along with 12% per annum interest on this amount from the date of receipt until the entire amount was paid. Additionally, the District Commission directed Ikea to pay Rs. 1,000/- to the complainant as compensation for harassment and mental agony. Additionally, Ikea was directed to reimburse the complainant Rs. 2,000/- towards litigation expenses incurred during the proceedings. 

Case: Ms. Sangeetha Bohra vs IKEA India Private Limited

Case No.: Consumer Complaint No.73/2023

Advocate for the Complainant: Tahura anzar

Advocate for the Respondent: Sri J. Sagar

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