The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corpration (GHMC) on Saturday issued a fine of Rs 25,000 to popular retail company Decathlon after authorities found that their store in Errum Manzil was running their business without a valid trade license.
The GHMC issued the penalty as Decathlon's trade license had reportedly expired and they were also additionally selling branded plastic bags for Rs 10, in violation of the rules.
Taking to Twitter, Khairatabad Zonal Commissioner Musharraf Faruqui posted photos of GHMC authorities issuing the penalty to the store.
#TeamGHMC penalised @Decathlon_India at Errumanzil for
— Musharraf Ali Faruqui (@musharraf_ias) June 15, 2019
1. Not having a valid trade license
2. Selling branded carry bags at Rs:10 against in violations of the law@arvindkumar_ias @CommissionrGHMC pic.twitter.com/3FToo62LZM
The municipal body cited recent court orders, which dictated that a company which was selling plastic bags with its logo printed on it, could not charge money from the customer for the same.
Meanwhile, in a statement, Decathlon said, “As an environmentally conscious company, we use compostable carry bags approved by the Central Pollution Control Board. To reduce wastage, we welcome and encourage our customers to bring their own recycled, carry bags. As a responsible company we comply with, and respect, all local laws including those relating to licensing.(sic)”
The Telangana State Consumers Information and Redressal Centre has also cited the same court orders and recently issued penalties to several outlets after they charged customers for giving them branded plastic bags.
Know your rights. #ConsumerAwareness @jagograhakjago pic.twitter.com/cIX8ej2gZa
— Telangana Consumer Info and Redressal Center (@TSConsumers) June 4, 2019
Contending that carrying logo bags amounts to giving the seller a free advertisements, the Telangana Consumer Info and Redressal Center also stated that the bags are to be given for free. It also encouraged customers to carry their own bags to avoid carrying such branded plastic bags from various outlets.
Consumers who have been charged for a branded plastic bag can also call the redressal Center under the state's Civil Supplies Department at 180042500333.
In December 2016, the Telangana government also passed a Government Order which says that shop keepers shall register with the local body and have to pay plastic waste management fee of minimum Rs 48,000 per year, or Rs 4,000 per month.