In a strong statement against unfair trade practices, the Bengaluru Urban District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission has fined popular liquor retailer Tonique for charging a customer for a carry bag that featured its branding.
The case was brought by Praveen B, a 31-year-old resident of St. Thomas Town, who visited the store on November 23, 2023, and was billed ₹1,585 for beverages. Along with this, he was charged an additional ₹14.29 for a carry bag that prominently displayed Tonique’s logo and store details.
The Commission, while delivering its verdict, ruled that charging for a bag that essentially serves as an advertisement is not only “unprofessional” but also an “unfair trade practice.” It ordered Tonique to compensate the customer ₹5,000 for mental agony and litigation costs and return the ₹14.29 bag charge. In a notable move, it also directed the store to pay ₹1 lakh to the Consumer Welfare Fund.
Tonique defended itself, saying that the customer had willingly requested the bag and was informed of the cost. It further argued that alternatives such as carrying the items by hand or bringing a bag from home were available. However, the court rejected these justifications, stating that such expectations may not be reasonable or feasible in all situations.
The ruling reinforces several previous decisions that businesses cannot charge customers for branded bags, as they double as mobile advertisements. Consumer rights advocates have hailed the judgment as a reminder to retailers that cost transparency and fairness cannot be compromised.
