*Date: 03/05/2026*
*Charging extra for carry bags proved costly: Consumer Commission imposes fine of Rs. 25,000 on Baby Hug Company*
Dehradun: Charging an extra Rs. 14.50 from a customer for a paper carry bag proved costly for a well-known branded company. The District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, Dehradun, imposed a fine of Rs. 25,000 on Baby Hug (Brian Biz Solutions), citing deficiency in service.
According to the case, on February 15, 2022, complainant Abhishek Verma, through advocate Shiva Verma, filed a complaint with the Consumer Commission. The complainant purchased some clothes for his daughter from the Baby Hug store. During billing, the company charged an extra Rs. 14.50 for a paper carry bag. The paper bag was printed with “Baby Hug (India’s largest baby and kids brand).”
The complaint stated that no prior notice, sign, or advertisement in the store indicated that an additional fee would be charged for paper carry bags. Advocate Shiva Verma argued before the court that retailers cannot charge for carry bags bearing their logos, as this constitutes an unfair trade practice. Forcing customers to purchase branded bags with advertising violates consumer rights. Retailers are required to provide carry bags free of charge for carrying packaged goods.
After hearing both parties in this case, which lasted for nearly four years, the Honorable Commission issued its decision. The Commission stated that the opposing company’s charging an additional fee for paper carry bags advertising its organization clearly constituted a deficiency in service.
*Commission’s Order:*
1. The opposing company should refund the complainant the amount of ₹14.50 for the carry bags within 45 days, and pay ₹20,000 as compensation for the deficiency in service and ₹5,000 as litigation expenses. Out of the compensation amount of Rs. 20,000, Rs. 10,000 will be given to the complainant and Rs. 10,000 will be deposited in the Consumer Welfare Fund.
2. If the payment is not made within the stipulated period, the complainant will also be liable to simple interest at the rate of 7% per annum on the total amount from 15.02.2022 till the date of actual payment.