The District Consumer Forum in Bengaluru ordered Dilmil Matrimony to pay ₹60,000 to a man for failing to find a match for his son, citing deficiency in service and unfair trade practices by the site.
Deep dive into the case in our latest podcast on Matrimony Site Ordered to Pay '60k as Compensation' for Failing to Deliver Promised Matchmaking Services
In a noteworthy ruling, the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission in Bengaluru directed Dilmil Matrimony to pay a total of ₹60,000 to a complainant for failing to find a suitable match for his son, as per the service advertised. The commission, presided over by President Ramachandra MS with members Nandini H Kumbhar and Savitha Airani, concluded that Dilmil Matrimony’s failure to deliver on its promises constituted deficiency in service and an unfair trade practice.
Background of the Case
- Complainant Vijaya Kumar KS approached Dilmil Matrimony on March 17, 2024, paying ₹30,000 with the assurance that they would find a match for his son within 45 days.
- Despite following up multiple times, Kumar did not receive any prospective matches from the site. When he sought assistance and eventually requested a refund, company representatives allegedly responded with inappropriate language and declined to process his request.
- On May 9, 2024, Kumar sent a legal notice demanding a refund. After no response, he filed a complaint with the district consumer forum, seeking compensation for the inconvenience and a full refund of his payment.
Consumer Forum’s Observations and Findings
- The commission reviewed Dilmil Matrimony’s advertisements, which promised “honest matchmaking services” by recommending suitable matches from a registered pool of applicants. It ruled that the site was “duty-bound to share details” of registered members with other users but failed to meet this obligation.
- The commission stated, “The opposite party failed to produce any evidence or even a single profile sent to the complainant or otherwise.”
- Due to Dilmil Matrimony’s absence in court, the commission proceeded ex parte (in their absence) and found that the company’s conduct amounted to a deficiency in service and an unfair trade practice by breaching the consumer’s trust.
Commission’s Verdict and Compensation Order
- The consumer forum ordered Dilmil Matrimony to refund the initial ₹30,000 paid by the complainant, including applicable interest.
- Additionally, the commission awarded the complainant ₹20,000 as compensation for the inconvenience caused, ₹5,000 for mental anguish, and ₹5,000 to cover litigation costs, totaling ₹60,000 in compensation.
Legal Implications and Accountability
- This case underscores the accountability of matchmaking sites and similar service providers to fulfill advertised promises or face legal action under consumer protection laws.
- The ruling sends a clear message that companies cannot mislead customers with false assurances, failing which they may face compensation orders.
Case Title: Sri Vijaya Kumar .K.S V/S Dilmil Matrimony, Smt Ruksar
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