Flies in soft drink: Firm fined Rs 100,000

Two dead flies in a soft drink bottle proved costly for a beverage company with the Delhi State Consumer Commission directing it to deposit Rs 1 lakh (Rs 100,000) with the State Consumer Welfare Fund on account of negligence.

"In a case of this nature when the facts speak for themselves which gain support from the bottle and the documents, no further evidence is required," the Commission headed by President Justice Barkat Ali Zaidi said.

The Commission passed the order on a plea of company Moon Beverages Ltd, challenging the District Forum's direction to deposit Rs 1 lakh with the State Consumer Welfare Fund after a consumer found two dead flies in a bottle of soft drink.

"Who else will be responsible if the manufacturer is not responsible? The contention is without merit," the Commission said while holding the company responsible for negligence.

On being contended that the dispute was not covered by the Act, the Commission said, "This is an argument of despair because if such cases are not covered then no case will be covered under Consumer Protection Act."

Vinod Gupta, the complainant, approached the District Consumer Forum after finding two flies in the bottle, seeking Rs 1 lakh compensation from the company.

The Forum had directed the retailer to pay Rs 5,000 as damages to Gupta and directed the company to deposit Rs 1 lakh with State Consumer Welfare Fund.