Surat. The Consumer Protection Commission of the city has issued a strict order against Beu Mountain Resort and Hospitality, ruling in favor of the complainant, Jeenal Patel.
Acknowledging allegations of misleading customers and adopting unfair business practices, the court has ordered the company to refund the amount. According to the complaint, Jeenal Patel had taken a membership from the company on March 31, 2024, and paid ₹67,000 in return. The company had made grand claims about attractive offers, associations with five-star hotels, and other facilities during a seminar.
However, it was later discovered that many of the hotels shown were not listed, and some facilities were misleading. Additionally, the complainant claimed that the company had promised to sell another membership, which was not fulfilled. Despite deductions for interest on EMI, the full amount was not refunded, which was also considered 'unfair trade practice.' During the case, no representative from the company was present, and no response was filed, leading to a one-sided proceeding.
The bench, comprising Chief Justice R.L. Thakkar and member Eastee Joshi, stated in their decision that the company provided false information to the customer and collected money improperly. As per the court's order, the company must return ₹70,000 to the complainant with 9% annual interest (from August 23, 2024, until payment), provide ₹3,000 as compensation for mental torture and distress, and pay ₹2,000 as case costs.
Full payment must be made within 30 days. This court decision is considered significant for customers, indicating that legal action against misleading selling methods can be effective. Senior lawyers Preeti Jignesh Joshi and Bela Girnara represented the complainant Jeenal Patel in court.
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