SRINAGAR: A Srinagar consumer commission has directed a dry cleaner to pay Rs 59,000 to a woman after finding the service provider deficient in handling garments submitted for cleaning, LawTrend reported.
The commission, comprising President Dr Farah Deeba and member Shabnam Munshi, decided the complaint on September 19 after examining the material placed before it.
The woman had handed over 18 articles to the dry cleaner on March 26, 2024, and paid Rs 5,970 for the service. She later alleged that some of the garments were returned damaged, including a Pashmina shawl and a Pashmina pheran valued at more than Rs 47,000, according to LawTrend.
She subsequently approached the service provider over the damage and was allegedly assured that the Pashmina garments would either be replaced or their value reimbursed. After further requests failed to resolve the matter, she issued a legal notice.
The commission noted that the dry cleaner did not contest the proceedings or submit its version of the case.
It also considered WhatsApp conversations between the parties, which contained an acknowledgement from the service provider that its workers had damaged the garments. The commission further noted that the dry cleaner had attempted to repair or restore the clothes but was unable to do so.
The commission held that the service provider had failed to render the service properly, causing the complainant financial loss as well as mental pain and harassment. It also observed that the failure to address her grievance contributed to her mental agony and financial loss.
The commission awarded Rs 47,000 towards the value of the damaged clothes, Rs 10,000 as compensation and Rs 2,000 towards litigation expenses, taking the total amount payable by the dry cleaner to Rs 59,000.
