A Srinagar consumer commission has directed a dry-cleaning service to pay ₹59,000 to a woman after finding deficiency in service over damage caused to her clothes, including a Pashmina shawl and Pashmina pheran.
The commission, comprising President Dr Farah Deeba and member Shabnam Munshi, noted while deciding the complaint on September 19 that the dry cleaner had acknowledged through WhatsApp messages that its workers had damaged the garments. It also recorded that efforts made by the service provider to restore the clothes had failed.
The woman had given 18 articles for dry cleaning and paid ₹5,970 on March 26, 2024. According to her complaint, the items included a Pashmina shawl and Pashmina pheran, with the damaged clothes valued at more than ₹47,000.
Complaint Over Damaged Clothes
The complainant said she approached the dry-cleaning service after learning about it through advertisements and was assured of proper service.
She alleged that after the garments were returned, several items, including the shawl and pheran, were found damaged. She then contacted the dry cleaner, which allegedly assured her that the two Pashmina items would either be replaced or their value reimbursed.
According to the complaint, the issue remained unresolved despite repeated requests and a legal notice. The woman then approached the consumer commission, alleging mental agony, harassment and financial loss. She was represented by advocate B A Shah.
WhatsApp Chats Recorded Admission of Damage
The commission noted that the dry cleaner did not contest the proceedings or file its version before it.
It further recorded that WhatsApp exchanges between the parties contained an admission by the service provider that the clothes had been damaged by its workers.
The commission also found that the dry cleaner had attempted to restore the garments after the damage but was unable to do so.
Taking these circumstances into account, the commission held that the service provider was deficient in rendering its services and that the complainant had suffered mental pain, harassment and financial loss.
The commission also observed that the failure of the dry cleaner to respond to the complainant’s grievance contributed to the mental agony and financial loss suffered by her.
₹59,000 Awarded
The commission directed the dry cleaner to pay ₹47,000 towards the value of the damaged clothes.
It also awarded ₹10,000 as compensation and ₹2,000 towards litigation expenses, taking the total amount payable to ₹59,000.
