In a landmark consumer rights case, a Jaipur man was awarded compensation by a local cinema after his kurta was ripped by a broken seat during a film screening. The district consumer commission ordered Carnival Cinema to pay a total of INR 23,500 to the complainant, which includes compensation for the curfew costing INR 1,500 and an additional INR 22,000 for mental anguish and damages.
The complaint was filed after the plaintiff received a fine worth INR 1,500 for a faulty seat in the theatre. The seat, which may be in poor condition, caused a significant tear to the garment when it caught on exposed metal. Although theater staff requested a seat change, he allegedly refused, forcing the complainant to endure inconvenience and possible property damage.
The decision was announced by a panel consisting of committee chairman Devendra Mohan Mathur and Seema Sharma, who emphasized the cinema's responsibility to ensure a pleasant viewing experience for its patrons. They argued that the provision of a safe and comfortable seat was a basic expectation that was not met, resulting in both physical injury to the complainant and emotional distress to the complainant.
This case highlights the functioning of consumer courts in India. Their purpose is to protect individuals from fraud and inappropriate business practices. Historically, consumers have faced challenges from suppliers selling inferior or counterfeit products. However, modern consumer courts actively intervene in this injustice, providing an opportunity for compensation and enforcement of consumer rights..
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