Bengaluru Man Wins Landmark Case Against ABFRL Over Fading Van Heusen Jeans: Court Orders Rs 5k Refund

In a significant legal triumph, Hariharan Babu AK, residing on Dr Rajkumar Road in Bengaluru, secured justice after his distressing experience with a pair of Rs 4499 Van Heusen jeans. 

The jeans, purchased from Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Limited (ABFRL) on April 16, 2023, began losing colour rapidly after just five washes.

Despite Babu’s efforts to resolve the issue with the showroom, ABFRL attributed the fading to the natural tendency of the indigo dye. 

Unsatisfied with this explanation, Babu took the matter to the 2nd Additional District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission in Shantinagar, Bengaluru, filing a complaint against what he deemed an unfair business practice by ABFRL.

Throughout the litigation, which began in October, Babu presented a compelling case supported by evidence, including photographic proof of the discolored jeans. 

In a notable absence, representatives from ABFRL failed to appear in court despite receiving proper notification.

On February 5, the presiding judge delivered a groundbreaking ruling, highlighting ABFRL’s failure to provide washing instructions or inform customers about the fabric quality’s durability during the sale. 

As a consequence, the court ordered ABFRL to compensate Babu with Rs 1000 and issue a full refund of Rs 4016 for the defective product.

This legal precedent serves as a crucial victory for consumers, emphasizing the importance of transparency and accountability in the retail industry. 

It underscores the rights of customers to expect product quality and sufficient information during the purchasing process, setting a standard for businesses to uphold these principles.