The Kannur district Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission has directed Parle Products Private Limited and Metro Hypermarket, Chakkarakkal, to jointly pay ₹50,000 to a consumer after finding that a biscuit packet labelled as weighing 150 grams contained only around 125 grams.
The order was passed by a bench comprising Commission President Ravi Susha and members Molukutty Mathew and K.P. Sajeesh on a complaint filed by T.P. Ashik of Kallayi, Anjarakandy.
Mr. Ashik had purchased a packet of Parle 20-20 biscuits from Metro Hypermarket on July 26, 2024. On weighing the packet at a nearby shop, he found it contained only 125 grams instead of the declared 150 grams and approached the Commission. During the proceedings, the packet was examined by the Legal Metrology department, which confirmed that it weighed 126.6 grams, establishing that it was underweight.
Explaining the Commission’s reasoning, Ms. Ravi Susha told The Hindu that the manufacturer contended that the packet might not be its product and argued that all products were machine-packed in bulk.
“However, the packet produced before the Commission carried the company’s GST details and other identifying particulars. The retailer also admitted that it had sold a genuine Parle product. Therefore, we found no basis to accept the manufacturer’s contention,” she said.
Parle argued that the packet produced by the complainant might not have been manufactured by the company and maintained that its product was fully machine-packed. Metro Hypermarket, however, admitted that it had sold a Parle biscuit packet and contended that any deficiency in weight was the responsibility of the manufacturer.
Ms. Ravi Susha said the Commission also held the retailers accountable. “A consumer purchases a product by trusting the shop. The retailer cannot escape liability by merely saying it sold a sealed packet. Selling an underweight product amounts to a deficiency in service on the part of both the manufacturer and the seller,” she said.
After examining the documents and the Legal Metrology report, the Commission concluded that the packet was a genuine Parle product and that selling an underweight product constituted a deficiency in service. It ordered Parle to pay ₹25,000 and Metro Hypermarket ₹10,000 as compensation.
In addition, Parle was directed to pay ₹10,000 and Metro Hypermarket ₹5,000 towards litigation costs, taking the total amount payable to ₹50,000. The Commission directed both parties to pay the amount within one month of receiving the order, failing which the amount will carry 12% annual interest from the date of the order.
Mr. Ashik said he decided to pursue the case because he believed consumers were being shortchanged.
“This is a product purchased by thousands of people every day. Many consumers may receive underweight packets without even realising it. I wanted to ensure that companies are held accountable, and that consumers know they can seek legal remedy,” he said.
K.P. Mohammed Sinan appeared for the complainant. He said the judgment sends a clear message that consumer rights are enforceable legal rights, irrespective of the value of the product or the amount involved. It encourages consumers to be aware of their rights and seek lawful remedies whenever those rights are violated. At the same time, it reminds manufacturers and retailers that compliance with the law is a continuing obligation, he said.
Published – July 27, 2026 08:19 pm IST
