In a striking instance of consumer rights enforcement, the District Consumer Dispute Redressal Commission in Sitapur has issued a non-bailable warrant against a showroom manager over a dispute involving a pair of slippers worth Rs 1,700.
The Commission’s drastic step comes after the manager repeatedly failed to comply with the forum’s orders to compensate the consumer for defective goods and mental harassment.
The core issue pertains to the deficiency in service and defective goods under the Consumer Protection Act. Due to the continuous non-compliance with the Commission’s previous judgment, the forum has invoked its powers under Section 72 of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, issuing a non-bailable warrant against the showroom manager, Mohammad Usman.
The Commission has directed the Superintendent of Police, Sitapur, to ensure the arrest of the manager and his production before the forum by January 2, 2026.
Background of the Case
The matter dates back to 2022. According to the complaint filed by Arif, a resident of Buttsganj, Sitapur, he purchased a pair of slippers for Rs 1,700 on May 17, 2022, from a showroom located near Transport Chauraha.
At the time of purchase, the showroom manager allegedly assured the complainant of a six-month warranty on the footwear. However, the slippers reportedly developed defects and broke within just one month of purchase.
Arguments and Course of Events
The complainant, Arif, alleged that when he approached the showroom to address the defect, he was initially met with evasion. Subsequently, the manager reportedly retained the defective slippers but refused to provide a replacement or refund the purchase amount.
Aggrieved by the lack of resolution, Arif approached the District Consumer Dispute Redressal Commission on October 17, 2022, filing a formal complaint alleging deficiency in service and unfair trade practices.
Despite notices issued by the Consumer Forum, the showroom manager failed to appear before the Commission or present his side of the argument. Consequently, the proceedings continued ex-parte.
The Commission’s Decision
On January 8, 2024, the Commission ruled in favor of the consumer. The forum ordered the showroom manager to:
- Refund the cost of the slippers (Rs 1,700).
- Pay Rs 2,500 as compensation for mental harassment.
- Pay Rs 5,000 towards litigation costs. The total liability was fixed at Rs 9,200.
However, the decree holder (complainant) reported that the manager failed to honor this order. Consequently, an execution application (Miscellaneous Case No. 12/2024) was filed. Taking a serious view of the willful disobedience of its order, the Commission has now escalated the matter by issuing a non-bailable warrant to ensure the manager’s presence and compliance.
