Consumer commission orders Red Tape to refund bag fee and pay compensation

A consumer commission in Gurugram concluded that Red Tape engaged in deficient service and unfair trade practice after charging a shopper Rs 30 for three carry bags despite a request for a free bag. The complaint stemmed from a transaction on August 31, 2025, where the customer bought goods worth Rs 4,713 and was denied a complimentary bag. The commission, comprising President Sanjeev Jindal and Members Jyoti Siwach and Khushwinder Kaur, referenced earlier National and State Consumer Commission decisions that obligate large retailers to provide bags at no cost.

It noted that the 2018 amendment to the Plastic Waste Rules removed any requirement for retailers to charge for bags, and cited the Sale of Goods Act, 1930, which places packaging costs on sellers. Consequently, Red Tape must refund the Rs 30 with 9 % annual interest, pay Rs 15,000 for mental harassment, and Rs 11,000 for legal expenses, all within 45 days or incur 12 % interest until payment is realized.