Kangra District Commission Holds Puma India And Its Showroom Liable For Selling Deformed Shoes

Brief Facts:

Balwinder Singh (“Complainant”) purchased a pair of shoes, the BMW MMS XRay Speed model, for the sum of Rs. 6299/- from Puma. Following the purchase, the Complainant discovered a defect in the shoes upon reaching home. Seeking resolution, the Complainant approached the Puma Showroom the next day and filed a complaint about the defect. However, the complaint was denied by the showroom. In an attempt to address the issue, the Complainant emailed the customer care of Puma. Despite continued communication, the matter remained unresolved. Later, the Complainant received an email informing him that his request had been denied by Puma. Feeling aggrieved, the Complainant approached the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission Kangra, Himachal Pradesh (“District Commission”) and filed a consumer complaint against Puma and the showroom.

Puma and the showroom didn't appear before the District Commission for the proceedings. Therefore, they were proceeded against ex-parte.

Observations by the District Commission:

The District Commission noted that the photograph submitted by the Complainant clearly illustrated that the joint of the sole and upper portion of the shoes were dispersed. This indicated that the Complainant received deformed shoes despite paying a significant amount. Therefore, the District Commission held that the sale/handing over of deformed shoes to the Complainant constituted a clear deficiency in service on the part of Puma and the showroom.

Consequently, the District Commission directed Puma and the showroom to jointly and severally refund the amount of Rs. 6,299/- to the Complainant, along with interest at the rate of 9% per annum. Additionally, Puma and the showroom were jointly and severally directed to pay a compensation of Rs. 5,000/- to the Complainant along with litigation costs at Rs. 5,000/-.

Case Title: Balwinder Singh vs Puma India and Anr.

Case Number: Consumer Complaint No. 336/2023

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