On November 4, 2024, Swiggy was fined Rs 35,453 by the Ranga Reddy District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission for unfair trade practices related to a misleading delivery fee. The complaint was filed by Hyderabad resident Emmadi Suresh Babu, who was charged an additional Rs 103 despite being a Swiggy One member entitled to free delivery. The court mandated a refund of the overcharged amount along with interest and imposed punitive damages to deter such practices in the future.
Consumer Rights Victory
In a landmark decision, the consumer court found that Swiggy had inflated the delivery distance from 9.7 km to 14 km, resulting in an unjustified delivery fee. Babu provided compelling evidence, including Google Maps screenshots, demonstrating that he should not have incurred any delivery charges as a member of Swiggy One. The court ruled in his favour after Swiggy failed to appear at the hearings, leading to an ex parte decision. Along with the refund of Rs 350.48 for the order and the Rs 103 delivery fee, Swiggy was ordered to pay Rs 5,000 for mental distress and cover litigation costs.
Background Context
This ruling is particularly significant as it comes amid increasing scrutiny of food delivery services regarding their pricing practices. The decision requires Swiggy to stop inflating delivery distances for its subscription service members, setting a precedent that could influence how food delivery platforms operate across India. This case reflects a growing awareness and enforcement of consumer rights in the digital marketplace.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
This ruling highlights the critical need for accountability in consumer services and reinforces the importance of fair trade practices. As consumers increasingly depend on digital platforms for their everyday needs, businesses must operate transparently and ethically. How can we ensure that our rights as consumers are safeguarded in this evolving digital landscape? We invite our readers to share their thoughts and experiences regarding fairness in service charges and consumer rights.
