Shopkeeper Overcharging or Offering Candy Instead of Change? Know Your Legal Rights - Read Now
Find out what to do if a shopkeeper charges more than the MRP or offers candy as change. Learn how to file a complaint at the Consumer Court or District Consumer Forum for free and demand a refund.
Consumers often encounter situations where shopkeepers charge more than the Maximum Retail Price (MRP) or offer candy instead of change. These practices are illegal, and as a consumer, you have the right to take legal action. In India, the Consumer Protection Act ensures that consumers can seek justice for overcharging and misleading practices by shopkeepers.
What to Do if You're Overcharged or Given Candy as Change?
Under the law, the MRP of products must be clearly marked, and customers are required to pay only the listed price. However, some shopkeepers engage in overcharging, sometimes only by a few rupees, or substitute candies for change, expecting customers to accept the practice without question.
Many consumers, either unaware of their rights or unwilling to deal with the inconvenience, may reluctantly accept the extra charge or the candy as change. However, overcharging is a violation of consumer rights, and you have legal recourse. Viraj Thakkar, a Vadodara-based lawyer, explained that according to the Supreme Court, charging more than the MRP is illegal, except in certain cases like service charges in restaurants.
Where to File a Complaint for Overcharging?
If a shopkeeper refuses to refund the overcharged amount, you have the option to file a formal complaint. Consumer Courts and District Consumer Forums are the platforms where you can seek justice. Overcharging through misleading practices falls under the Consumer Rights Protection laws, and consumers can file complaints without paying any fee.
The Consumer Court ensures that the consumer receives a refund for the overpaid amount, and if the shopkeeper is found guilty, they may be subject to fines and penalties. It's crucial to know that you don't need to pay any charges to lodge a complaint or pursue legal action.
What Rights Do Consumers Have When Overcharged?
If you're charged more than the MRP, or if you're given less than what you paid for (for instance, 450 grams instead of 500 grams), you are fully entitled to ask for the correct product and a refund for the excess charge. In cases where candies are offered as change instead of the actual currency, this is considered a deceptive practice. You have the right to demand the exact change in legal tender.
The law is designed to protect consumers from such misleading practices, and you are within your rights to challenge the overcharge or seek proper change.
How to File Complaints Against Overcharging?
The first step to filing a complaint is to visit the District Consumer Forum or the Consumer Court in your area. These forums offer free services and are accessible to every consumer. You do not need a lawyer to lodge a complaint, and the entire process is free of cost.
When filing a complaint, you will need to provide proof of the overcharge, such as a receipt showing the price charged. If you're given candy instead of change, ensure you retain the receipt or any other proof of purchase. Once your complaint is registered, the forum will examine the issue and may direct the shopkeeper to refund the extra charge along with interest.