Consumer panel imposes Rs 25K fine on fast food chain

Ludhiana: The District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission has imposed a composite cost of Rs 25,000 on a global fast-food chain and its local franchise for allegedly selling a hazardous product worth Rs 256 to a customer. According to the complainant, Amarjot Singh of Miller Ganj, he experienced severe health issues after consuming the food. As per the complainant, on Nov 11, 2023, he purchased some food items from the franchise of the company for Rs 256, and its employee claimed the food was fresh. "It was a takeaway order. After I consumed the food, my health immediately deteriorated. I went to see Dr Harsh Ketan Sharma at Ayali Khurd, Ludhiana, who medically examined me. After his examination, the doctor said it is a case of food poisoning. I was in bed for 7 days," Singh claimed. The complainant served a legal notice dated March 15, 2024. After the notice was filed, the opposite parties filed a written statement, wherein they claimed that on that date, they sold approximately 215 food items through its store. They claimed to have not received a single complaint about any food items sold on that date. The commission, after appreciating the evidence on record, observed that in the given set of circumstances, the product liability action initiated by the complainant against the opposite parties on account of sale of hazardous/harmful product is sustainable. "As such, it would be just and appropriate if a compensation to the tune of Rs 25,000 is awarded to the complainant," the commission observed. "All phenomena are not self." — Gautam BuddhaVCO Inspiration