The Ahmedabad (Additional) Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission has ordered a tailor to pay a total of ₹7,000 to a customer for deficiency in service. The commission found that the tailor’s failure to stitch a blouse by the agreed-upon date for a family wedding caused the woman mental anguish.
Case Background
The case was brought by a woman from Ahmedabad who was preparing to attend a family wedding scheduled for December 24, 2024. As part of her preparations, she had purchased sarees and given material to a tailor for a traditional blouse to be stitched. The woman paid an advance of ₹4,395 for the service.
According to the complaint, when the woman went to collect the blouse ten days before the wedding, she discovered it was still incomplete. The tailor assured her that the blouse would be completed and delivered before the wedding ceremony.
However, when the woman returned to the tailor at a later date, the blouse was still not ready. The tailor reportedly had no explanation for the failure. As a result, the woman was unable to wear the saree she had planned for the function and had to wear a different outfit, which she stated caused her significant mental distress.
Court Proceedings and Decision
Following the wedding, the woman filed a complaint against the tailor with the Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission. A legal notice was subsequently sent to the tailor, but he failed to appear before the commission for the hearing.
The commission proceeded with the case and reviewed the evidence presented by the complainant. It concluded that the tailor’s failure to stitch and deliver the blouse on time, especially after receiving an advance payment, constituted a clear “deficiency in service.”
The court acknowledged that this deficiency directly led to the woman suffering mental harassment and stress, as she was deprived of wearing her intended attire for the important family event.
In its final order, the commission held the tailor liable and directed him to:
- Refund the full advance payment of ₹4,395, along with 7% annual interest.
- Pay additional compensation for the mental anguish caused to the complainant.
- Cover the litigation costs incurred by the woman.
The total sum the tailor was ordered to pay amounted to ₹7,000.
