Sambalpur Consumer Court Slams E-commerce Platform with Rs 90,799 Penalty for Marble Stone Scam
In a landmark ruling that underscores the perils of online shopping, the Sambalpur consumer court has delivered a stern verdict against a major e-commerce platform. The court found the company guilty of severe deficiency in service and engaging in unfair trade practices after a customer received a large marble stone instead of the high-end laptop he had ordered.
Court Orders Substantial Compensation for Victim
The consumer court, presided over by Dr Ramakanta Satapathy as president with member Sadananda Tripathy, issued a comprehensive compensation order. The e-commerce giant has been directed to pay the complainant, Dr Chaubarga Nayak, a total of Rs 90,799. This amount includes Rs 60,799 as reimbursement for the laptop's cost, Rs 25,000 as compensation for negligence in service, and an additional Rs 5,000 as further compensation for the distress caused.
Detailed Timeline of the Deceptive Delivery
The unfortunate incident began when Dr Chaubarga Nayak, who operates a clinic near the Sambalpur district headquarters hospital, placed an online order for a laptop on February 4, 2025. He made an advance payment of Rs 61,000 for the device. The consignment arrived at his doorstep on February 12, but suspicions arose immediately upon examining the package.
Exercising caution, Dr Nayak recorded a video while opening the package—a decision that proved crucial for his case. To his shock and dismay, instead of the anticipated laptop, the package contained nothing but a substantial marble stone. This blatant substitution represented a complete failure of the e-commerce platform's delivery and quality assurance systems.
Legal Battle and Court Proceedings
Advocate Pritish Debata, who represented Dr Nayak throughout the legal proceedings, revealed that his client immediately contacted the online retailer upon discovering the marble stone. Despite repeated attempts, the company failed to provide any satisfactory response or resolution to the complaint.
Frustrated by the retailer's indifference, Dr Nayak filed a formal written complaint at the Town police station before escalating the matter to the consumer court. He sought appropriate compensation for the financial loss and mental anguish caused by the fraudulent delivery.
The consumer court registered the case and conducted thorough hearings, meticulously examining all evidence presented. The video recording made by Dr Nayak while opening the package served as compelling proof of the e-commerce platform's failure to deliver the ordered product. After careful consideration, the court ruled unequivocally in favor of the complainant, highlighting the company's responsibility in the matter.
Broader Implications for E-commerce Accountability
This ruling sends a powerful message to e-commerce platforms operating in India about their accountability to consumers. The consumer court's decision emphasizes that companies cannot evade responsibility for products delivered through their platforms, even if third-party sellers are involved in the supply chain.
The case also highlights the importance of consumer vigilance in the digital shopping era. Dr Nayak's foresight in recording the unboxing process provided irrefutable evidence that strengthened his legal position significantly. Consumer rights advocates are praising the verdict as a victory for ordinary citizens against corporate negligence in the rapidly expanding e-commerce sector.
As online shopping continues to grow across India, this Sambalpur consumer court ruling establishes an important precedent for how similar cases should be handled. It reinforces consumer protection laws and reminds e-commerce companies of their legal obligations to ensure genuine products reach customers as promised.
