1 month ago
Kerala Man Wins Compensation for Undelivered Quinoa Seeds
A man in Kerala ordered agricultural seeds online but received only a fraction of what he paid for.
He complained to the consumer commission, which ruled that the seller had to refund his money and pay extra for the trouble.
The seller said the man wasn't a real consumer, but the commission disagreed.
The man won because he bought the seeds for his own business, not for selling in bulk.
This shows that online sellers can't just say they ran out of stock or sent things to the wrong place to avoid giving refunds.
A man in Kerala ordered 100 kg of quinoa seeds and other items but received only 10 kg.
The seller claimed the only valid order was for 20 kg of flax seeds and 10 kg of quinoa seeds.
The consumer commission ruled that the seller must refund Rs 12,213 and pay Rs 13,000 as compensation and litigation costs.
The commission rejected the seller's argument that the complainant was not a consumer under the Consumer Protection Act.
The ruling clarifies that individuals purchasing goods for self-employment or livelihood qualify as consumers under the Consumer Protection Act.
- Who
- A man in Kerala who ordered agricultural seeds from an organic food seller.
- What
- The consumer commission ordered the seller to refund Rs 12,213 and pay Rs 13,000 as compensation and litigation costs for failing to deliver the ordered goods.
- Where
- Kerala, India.
- When
- The order was placed on April 26, 2025, and the commission's decision was made on July 8, 2025.
- Why
- The seller failed to deliver the ordered goods despite receiving payment, and the consumer sought a refund and compensation.
Consumer's Perspective
Seller's Perspective
Order Fulfillment
Consumer's Perspective
The consumer ordered 100 kg of quinoa seeds and other items but received only 10 kg, with no further delivery despite assurances.
Seller's Perspective
The seller claimed the only valid order was for 20 kg of flax seeds and 10 kg of quinoa seeds, which they stated was dispatched and delivered.
Consumer Status
Consumer's Perspective
The consumer argued that the purchase was for self-employment and livelihood, qualifying as a consumer under the Consumer Protection Act.
Seller's Perspective
The seller argued that the complainant was not a consumer under the Consumer Protection Act.
Payment and Refund
Consumer's Perspective
The consumer paid Rs 13,063 and sought a refund for the undelivered goods.
Seller's Perspective
The seller did not provide evidence to substantiate their version of the payment and order details.
Key facts
- Complainant's Order
- 100 kg quinoa seeds, 25 kg sesame, 1 kg amarantha rice, 1 kg alasya seed
- Amount Paid
- Rs 13,063
- Amount Refunded
- Rs 12,213
- Compensation Awarded
- Rs 8,000
- Litigation Costs
- Rs 5,000
- Date of Order
- April 26, 2025
- Date of Delivery
- May 30, 2025
- Date of Order
- July 8, 2025
Quotes
district consumer commission
Consumer protection body
“"We are of the view that the failure to supply goods after receiving consideration and failure to refund the payment for the goods constitutes a clear deficiency in service,"”
indianexpress.com
“"The Complainant is entitled to a refund of the payments made for undelivered goods, with compensation and the cost of the proceedings,"”
indianexpress.com
Sources
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