A Mumbai District Consumer Forum has ordered Flipkart and its seller to compensate a customer after refusing to accept the return of an allegedly substandard health drink, ruling that their 'no return policy' constitutes unfair trade practice.
The forum, led by President Samindara Surve, directed Flipkart and seller Deepak Kashyap to refund ₹4,641 with 9% interest to Goregaon resident Taruna Rajput, who had purchased 13 containers of Herbalife Nutrition Fresh Energy Drink Mix in October 2023.
Rajput raised concerns about the product's authenticity upon delivery, citing unusual color and texture, along with a missing QR code on the label. Despite multiple attempts to return the item, Flipkart's customer service rejected her request, citing their no-return policy.
"Not taking back the product amounts to adoption of unfair trade practice," the forum stated in its order, establishing Flipkart's responsibility as an e-commerce platform to ensure product quality on its marketplace.
While the forum awarded costs and refund, it dismissed Rajput's claim for ₹50 lakh in damages, citing insufficient evidence of harmful ingredients or counterfeiting. The case against Flipkart's directors was also dismissed as no personal allegations were made against them.

Mumbai consumer forum fines Flipkart and seller

Consumer Forum orders ₹10,000 cost payment; "No return policy" deemed unfair.

Flipkart, Seller Fined for Unfair Trade Practice

Consumer Forum orders ₹10,000 cost payment; "No return policy" deemed unfair.

November 26, 2024 | 22:24 IST