The District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission-II, Jaipur, has directed PepsiCo India Holdings Pvt. Ltd. to compensate a consumer after a packet of Lay’s potato chips was found to contain only 4 grams of chips against the declared net weight of 15 grams. The Commission ordered the company to refund the packet’s purchase price, along with interest, and pay compensation for mental harassment and litigation expenses. However, the complaint against retailer Metro Cash & Carry India Pvt. Ltd. was dismissed.
How the Dispute Started
The case arose from a purchase made on November 10, 2020, when Chandraman Jalan, proprietor of M/s Jalan Building and Hardware Store, bought groceries from Metro Cash & Carry India Pvt. Ltd. in Jaipur. The items included a ₹5 packet of Lay’s chips intended for serving guests at his residence. According to the complainant, the packet felt unusually light, prompting him to check its contents. He allegedly discovered that it contained only 4 grams of chips instead of the 15 grams mentioned on the packaging.
Jalan subsequently raised the issue with the retailer but alleged that his grievance was not addressed satisfactorily. He then approached the District Consumer Commission on April 6, 2022, alleging deficiency in service and unfair trade practices. The retailer argued that any shortage in the sealed packet could have resulted from an error during manufacturing or packaging and that responsibility should therefore rest with the manufacturer.
Commission’s Decision and Compensation
During the proceedings, PepsiCo India Holdings Pvt. Ltd. did not appear despite receiving notice, and the case proceeded against the company ex parte. After considering the complainant’s purchase invoice and other evidence, the Commission allowed the complaint against PepsiCo while dismissing it against Metro Cash & Carry India Pvt. Ltd.
The Commission directed PepsiCo to refund ₹5, the cost of the packet, with interest at 6% per annum from April 6, 2022, until payment. It also ordered the company to pay ₹5,000 as compensation for mental harassment and ₹3,000 towards litigation expenses. The company was directed to make the payment within one month of the order.
If the ₹8,000 awarded towards compensation and litigation costs is not paid within the stipulated period, it will attract interest at 6% per annum from the date of the order until actual payment. The decision highlights the importance of ensuring that packaged products contain the quantity declared on their labels and reinforces the accountability of manufacturers towards consumers.
