The South Mumbai District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission has issued notice to luxury fashion house Gucci in a complaint filed by Mumbai-based advocate Ali Kaashif Khan Deshmukh, who alleges that a defective pair of Gucci shoes caused him to suffer a public fall and visible distress shortly after purchase.
The notice was issued on Friday by a bench comprising Commission President Sadik Ali B Sayyad and Member Gauri M Kapse. It has been served on Guccio Gucci S.p.A. (Italy), as well as Gucci’s Mumbai outlets at the Trident Hotel and Jio World Plaza.
The complaint stems from an incident on March 6, 2024, when Deshmukh purchased a pair of Gucci shoes for ₹75,500. According to the plea, within an hour of the purchase, the shoes caused discomfort due to uneven elevation between the pair, leading him to stumble and fall in public.
Deshmukh alleges that upon returning to the store the same day, he was redirected and later treated dismissively by staff at Gucci’s Bandra Kurla Complex outlet. A written acknowledgment dated March 7, 2024, issued by Gucci reportedly confirmed a slight elevation difference between the two shoes after internal inspection.
The complaint further states that Deshmukh was forced to spend an additional ₹9,500 on a replacement pair, which failed to mitigate the emotional trauma already caused. He claims that the incident not only resulted in physical pain but also led to mental agony, public embarrassment, and a loss of confidence.
“The complainant holds the opponents responsible for these unfortunate circumstances. This present complaint is lodged against Gucci for selling defective products, causing physical injury, mental trauma, and failing to adhere to the standards of customer service expected of a renowned international brand,” the plea stated.
Deshmukh is seeking compensation of ₹1.14 crore, citing deficiency in service, unfair trade practice, and costs arising from mental distress and litigation. The matter is now pending before the consumer commission for further proceedings.
