A marriage hall owner has been charged with a fine of Rs. 13.20 lakh by the state consumer dispute redressal commission for providing the hall to another person on the day of the wedding.
M Natesan had booked the marriage hall named ‘Hemraj Palace’ in Chrompet in September 2008 for his son’s wedding on February 1 and 2, 2009. He had also paid Rs 93,000 to the owner Hemrajsekar. The owner, his son, and manager had assured that they will be given the hall on the asked date. Natesan also spent Rs. 3.43 lakh to book catering, photography, music and video coverage, according to Times of India.
On February 1, 2009, when Natesan reached the venue some other people were using the marriage hall. He contacted the manager and the marriage hall owner’s son. The manager threatened him with dire consequences and the son threatened to “beat him to death”.
Natesan filed a complaint at the Chrompet police station. A police inspector also tried to get the family a new venue till night on February 1, 2009. The marriage was later carried out in a single ceremony at a temple.
The owner and his son denied the charges. They said that Natesan had paid the amount to the owner’s son and according to their rules the money should only be paid to the owner. They also mentioned a caution board which specified the same.
A bench of judicial members said that they were unable to understand the logic behind the caution board and asked the owner to pay Rs. 10 lakh as compensation and Rs. 3 lakh for the losses suffered by Natesan. They also asked them to refund Rs. 35,000 as refund and Rs. 20,000 as case costs.