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Bengaluru man challenges Rs 20 carry bag fee, wins Rs 8,000 in compensation

By · Via Times of India · Published by Everything Blog

In short

The case began on June 3, 2025, after 33-year-old Theerthesh BS spent Rs 2,170 on beverages at a Kasturba Road outlet and was billed an extra Rs 20 for a branded bag. Store employees refused to waive the charge despite the customer pointing out that the bag displayed the shop's promotional content, prompting him to file a formal complaint two weeks later. On Oct 14, the consumer forum determined the mandatory fee was an unfair trade practice and ordered a full refund alongside substantial monetary penalties.

Key points

  • Retailers commit an unfair trade practice when they charge consumers for bags featuring t…: Retailers commit an unfair trade practice when they charge consumers for bags featuring the company's own name and promotional logo.
  • Beverage sellers have a responsibility under the principle of Caveat Venditor to ensure c…: Beverage sellers have a responsibility under the principle of Caveat Venditor to ensure customers can safely carry fragile items.
  • Consumers retain the legal right to challenge mandatory retail packaging charges before r…: Consumers retain the legal right to challenge mandatory retail packaging charges before regional dispute redressal panels.

Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1

BENGALURU: The bag was meant only to carry the booze home, but it ended up killing the buzz for a liquor store. The District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, Bangalore (Urban), held a liquor store guilty of unfair trade practice and deficiency in service for charging a Bagalagunte resident Rs 20 for a carry bag stamped with its own name and logo.

It all started on June 3, 2025, when Theerthesh BS, 33, bought beverages worth Rs 2,170 from Tonique, a liquor store on Kasturba Road. Since the bottles were fragile, he asked for a carry bag. The store gave him one bearing its brand name, logo and other promotional content, and raised a separate bill of Rs 20 for it on the same day and at the same time.

Theerthesh said he objected to paying for a bag that carried the store’s own logo and identification details, but the store’s staff rejected his request. With no other way to carry the bottles safely, he paid. He then filed a complaint on June 17, seeking a refund of Rs 20, compensation…

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