Bengalurean sues Flipkart for charging Rs 191 for Rs 95 shampoo, wins Rs 20,000 as compensation

A Bengaluru resident, Sowmya P, successfully sued e-commerce giant Flipkart for selling her a bottle of shampoo above its MRP during the Big Billion Days sale.

The city's consumer court found Flipkart guilty of unfair trade practices and directed the company to compensate Sowmya with Rs 20,000. Attracted by Flipkart's sale, Sowmya purchased a Patanjali Kesh Kanti protein hair cleanser for Rs 191 in October 2019. However, upon receiving the product, she discovered that the MRP was only Rs 95, with the invoice showing Rs 191. Investigation revealed that the same item on the Flipkart app was listed at Rs 140, with an additional Rs 99 for shipping.

Despite contacting Flipkart's customer care, Sowmya was advised to return the product for a refund, with assurances that the company would address such sales practices. Disappointed by Flipkart's lack of action against the shampoo seller, HBK Enterprises, Sowmya filed a complaint with the consumer disputes redressal commission.

The recent court verdict determined that Flipkart had engaged in unfair trade practices, selling the shampoo at an excessive price for unlawful gain. The court ordered Flipkart to refund the excess Rs 96 and pay Rs 10,000 for deficient service, along with an additional Rs 5,000 for unfair trade practices and Rs 5,000 for court expenses.