Kerala consumer court orders Kalyan Silks to pay Rs 31,500 for misleading Onam ad

A district consumer commission in Kerala concluded that Kalyan Silks' Onam advertisement gave a false impression that spending Rs 3,000 would instantly yield a Rs 1,500 shopping benefit. The 81-year-old complainant, after purchasing garments worth Rs 4,055, received three Rs 500 coupons usable only with separate purchases of at least Rs 1,500 in September, October and November, a condition the commission said was hidden in fine print.

The commission also noted that the retailer's tax invoices faded quickly, violating durability requirements. Rejecting the retailer's claim that sales staff had explained the terms, the bench ordered Kalyan Silks to pay Rs 1,500 as restitution, Rs 25,000 as compensation for unfair trade practice, and Rs 5,000 for litigation costs, and to issue a legible duplicate invoice within 45 days. Failure to pay will attract 9% annual interest. The decision underscores the need for clear disclosure of promotional conditions in consumer advertising.