A consumer commission in Himachal Pradesh has directed a liquor shop and its salesman to refund ₹75 and pay ₹12,500 to a customer after finding that a beer bottle with a printed MRP of ₹155 was sold to him for ₹230.
The commission, comprising President Hemanshu Mishra and members Arti Sood and Narayan Thakur, held that charging more than the printed MRP amounted to an unfair trade practice and deficiency in service. It also took note of the allegation that the salesman had refused to issue a purchase receipt.
The commission directed the liquor shop and the salesman to jointly and severally refund the excess ₹75 charged from the customer. It also awarded ₹5,000 as compensation and ₹7,500 towards litigation costs.
Customer Alleged ₹75 Overcharge
According to the complaint, the customer visited a liquor shop in Kangra on April 27, 2026, and purchased a bottle of beer carrying an MRP of ₹155.
The salesman allegedly demanded ₹230, resulting in an excess charge of ₹75. When the customer objected, the salesman allegedly told him that the amount was being charged on the instructions of the shop owner.
The complaint also stated that the salesman refused to provide a purchase receipt.
The customer subsequently approached the consumer commission alleging unfair trade practice and deficiency in service and sought refund and compensation.
Evidence Remained Unchallenged
Despite being served with notices, the liquor shop and its salesman did not appear before the commission. The proceedings therefore continued ex-parte against them.
The commission noted that the evidence produced by the complainant had remained unrebutted and unchallenged as the opposite parties had chosen not to contest the case.
On examining the material, the commission concluded that the complainant had established that he was charged ₹230 for a product carrying an MRP of ₹155.
It further observed that selling a packaged commodity or excisable product above its printed MRP violated the Legal Metrology Act, Consumer Protection Act and state excise regulations. Refusal to provide a receipt, the commission said, also indicated an attempt to conceal the alleged illegal trade practice.
Excise Department Asked to Take Action
While allowing the complaint, the commission also took note of the seriousness of the overcharging and the alleged violation of excise norms by a licensed liquor vend.
It directed that a copy of the order be sent to the Additional Commissioner, Excise and Taxation Department, Dharamshala, for departmental and penal action in accordance with the applicable rules.
The commission reiterated that sellers cannot charge consumers more than the printed MRP and that such overcharging can attract refund, compensation and litigation costs under consumer law.
