Amazon Directed to Pay Rs 15,000 Compensation in Sangrur Seed Dispute
In a significant consumer rights case, the district consumer disputes redressal commission in Sangrur has ordered Amazon India to provide a refund and compensation to a local resident over a delivery of underweight vegetable seeds. The ruling highlights the accountability of e-commerce platforms in ensuring product quality and accurate advertising.
Details of the Consumer Complaint
The complainant, a resident of Sangrur, alleged that he ordered two packets of onion and cauliflower seeds from Amazon's platform, with each packet advertised as weighing 100 grams, totaling 200 grams for a price of Rs 198. Upon delivery, however, the total weight of both packets, including packaging, was found to be only about 18 grams. This substantial discrepancy prompted the consumer to file a formal complaint, citing mental agony and physical harassment due to the inefficiency of the product.
The complainant further argued that as he belonged to a poor family, it was challenging to arrange alternative seeds immediately, especially since such seeds were not readily available in Sangrur. He initially sought compensation of Rs 50,000 for the distress caused.
Legal Proceedings and Evidence
The district consumer commission, comprising President Jot Naranjan Singh Gill and members Sarita Garg and Kanwaljeet Singh, allowed the complaint after noting that the evidence presented by the complainant remained unrebutted. Amazon India chose not to contest the case, leading to an ex parte proceeding where no representative appeared to challenge the allegations.
To substantiate the weight discrepancy, the complainant filed an application with the weights and measures department for verification. According to a letter from the inspector of legal metrology, the total weight of the packet including the envelope was 15 grams, with the onion seeds weighing 8 grams and the cauliflower seeds weighing 3 grams without the envelope. This official documentation strongly supported the complainant's claims, confirming the delivery was far below the advertised weight.
Commission's Ruling and Directions
The commission directed Amazon India to refund the purchase price of Rs 198 and pay an additional Rs 15,000 as a consolidated compensation for mental agony, physical harassment, and other expenses incurred by the complainant. The total penalty imposed on Amazon amounts to Rs 15,198. However, the commission clarified that the complainant must return the disputed seed packets to Amazon at the time of receiving the refund.
This case underscores the importance of consumer protection laws in India, particularly in addressing deficiencies in service by major e-commerce players. It serves as a reminder for companies to adhere to advertised specifications and respond promptly to consumer grievances to avoid legal repercussions.
