Kochi: The Ernakulam District Consumer Disputes Redressal Court ordered Rs 17,83,641 lakh as compensation for the serious mistake in the construction of the famous film star Harisree Ashokan’s “Punjabi House”.
Ernakulam PK Tiles Centre, Kerala A.G., the opposite parties for the purpose of the house built in the name of ‘Punjabi House’. Ashoka had bought imported floor tiles from L World and laid them on the floor. Owner of NS Marble Works K.A. The work of laying tiles was done under the leadership of Payasin.
Before the construction of the house was completed, the color of the floors began to fade, and water and soil began to enter the surface through the gaps. The opposite parties were approached many times but there was no solution. Ashoka then approached the consumer court.
The opposing parties have taken positions in the court that the complainant could not produce the documents for the purchase of the product, there is no evidence regarding the defect of the product and there are no documents related to the warranty. They also maintained that they were not the ones who laid the tiles.
The court considered that the action of the opposite parties, who cheated the customer by not providing the invoice, warranty documents and test report and violated the basic right to know as stipulated by the Consumer Protection Act, is a clear picture of unethical business practice and deficiency in service.
DB said that the action of the opposite parties to compel the consumer to litigate is in no way acceptable. The bench comprising Binu Adhyakshan and Vaikom Ramachandran and TN Srividya as members commented.
In the judgement, the court stated that this complaint is a perfect illustration of unethical business practice and serious deficiency in service which unduly drags the customer through convoluted and complicated paths. 16,58,641 rupees should be paid by the second opposite party for the suffering losses suffered by the complainant. The court also directed the opposite parties to pay Rs 1 lakh as compensation and Rs 25,000 as court costs within one month. Advocate for the complainant. TJ Lakmana Iyer was present.
