The record
Written from the 1 report below. Nothing here is unsourced.
- A district consumer commission in Kerala ordered an Instagram-based boutique on July 17 to pay a woman a total of Rs 36,880 after it took full payment of Rs 3,760 for two wedding dresses in February 2025 but delivered only one, delaying even that past promised dates, and never refunded the money for the second despite repeated assurances.
- The commission, proceeding without the boutique since its notice went unclaimed, relied on payment receipts and messages between the parties.
- It held that sellers on social media are equally bound by the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, and that failing to deliver or refund amounts to deficiency in service and an unfair trade practice.
- The order directs the boutique to refund Rs 1,880, pay Rs 25,000 as compensation and Rs 10,000 towards case costs within 45 days, failing which 9% annual interest will apply.
What to watch next
- Whether the boutique pays the Rs 36,880 within the 45-day deadline or attracts 9% annual interest.
- Whether the untraceable boutique responds or appeals despite the unclaimed notice and absent defence.
- Whether the ruling's stance on social media sellers under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 influences similar complaints against Instagram businesses.
Coverage1
1 report
English national1
All filed from India
Named India · District Consumer Commission · Google Pay · Instagram · Instagram-based boutique · S K Sreela · Stanly Harold
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