Archive · 22 Jul 2026
Consumer Wins Rs 7,000 Payout After Shoe Refund Denial
A consumer in Uttarakhand bought a pair of Red Chief shoes online for Rs 2,009.
The shoes tore within a month, and the consumer tried to return them.
The company, Red Chief, refused to refund or replace the shoes, saying they were used and damaged.
The consumer then took the company to the Haridwar District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission.
The commission found that the company could not deny a refund just because the shoes were used to identify the defect.
They ordered the company to refund Rs 2,009 and pay Rs 5,000 as compensation and Rs 2,000 for litigation costs.
The ruling says consumers can't be denied refunds just because they used the product to find a defect.
Consumers with similar issues can call the National Consumer Helpline at 1915 or the Uttarakhand helpline at 1800-180-4188.
A consumer in Uttarakhand bought a pair of Red Chief shoes online for Rs 2,009.
The shoes tore within a month, and the consumer sought a refund or replacement.
The company, Red Chief, denied the refund, claiming the shoes were accidentally damaged.
The Haridwar District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission ordered the company to refund Rs 2,009 and pay Rs 5,000 in compensation and Rs 2,000 in litigation costs.
The ruling reinforces that consumers cannot be denied refunds just because they used the product to identify a defect.
- Who
- A consumer in Uttarakhand and the footwear company Red Chief.
- What
- A consumer dispute over a defective pair of shoes and the company's refusal to refund or replace them.
- When
- The shoes were purchased on February 26, 2025, and the complaint was filed on June 27, 2025.
- Where
- Haridwar District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, Uttarakhand, India.
- Why
- The consumer sought a refund or replacement for defective shoes, while the company denied the claim due to alleged accidental damage.
Consumer's Perspective
Company's Perspective
Defect in Shoes
Consumer's Perspective
The shoes were defective and tore within a month of purchase.
Company's Perspective
The shoes were accidentally damaged after use and had no manufacturing defect.
Refund Denial
Consumer's Perspective
The company unfairly denied a refund because the shoes were used to identify the defect.
Company's Perspective
The refund was denied because the shoes were used and damaged, contrary to Amazon's return policy.
Evidence of Defect
Consumer's Perspective
The consumer produced the defective shoes as evidence.
Company's Perspective
The company claimed the consumer did not provide sufficient evidence of the defect.
- Complainant's Claim
- Shoes tore within a month of purchase.
- Company's Claim
- Shoes were accidentally damaged after use.
- Purchase Date
- February 26, 2025
- Delivery Date
- March 4, 2025
- Refund Request Date
- March 6, 2025
- Compensation Awarded
- Rs 7,000 (Rs 2,009 refund + Rs 5,000 compensation + Rs 2,000 litigation costs)
- Consumer Helpline
- National Consumer Helpline: 1915, Uttarakhand Helpline: 1800-180-4188