The District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, Kupwara, comprising President Peerzada Qousar Hussain and Member Ms. Nyla Yaseen, held Peter England liable for deficiency in service and unfair trade practice after finding that the company failed to address the complainant's grievance regarding a defective summer suit whose colour faded within a month of normal use.

Facts:

The complainant, Ahrar Dar, purchased a Peter England summer suit for ₹8,827 through the opposite party's online platform. According to the complaint, the suit was used only a few times and, within about a month of normal use, its colour started fading, the fabric lost its original finish, and the overall quality deteriorated considerably.

The complainant alleged that the defects were not caused by improper use or mishandling but were the result of poor-quality material and manufacturing defects. He contacted Peter England's customer care through emails and phone calls, seeking a replacement or refund, but allegedly received no satisfactory response.

Aggrieved by the company's failure to address his grievance, he filed the consumer complaint. Although notices were issued to the opposite parties, they failed to appear or file their written statement within the prescribed period, prompting the Commission to proceed ex parte.

Observation and decision

The Commission noted that the complainant produced the purchase invoice, proof of payment, photographs of the defective suit, email correspondence and an affidavit. As the opposite parties failed to appear despite service of notice, there was no material to suggest that the damage resulted from misuse or negligence by the complainant. Accordingly, the Commission held that the opposite parties were guilty of deficiency in service and unfair trade practice.

Accordingly, the Commission allowed the complaint and directed the opposite parties to refund ₹8,827, pay ₹50,000 as compensation for mental agony and harassment, and comply with the order within four weeks, failing which the awarded amount would carry 10% annual interest until payment.

Appearance: Adv. Muzamil for the Complainant

Case Title: Ahrar Dar v. Peter England

Case No.: 225/2025

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