Retailer blames it on wholesaler
SHILLONG: Owner of the retail shop, Kimi Store, Nongthymmai, who was alleged to have sold Amul Taaza milk to one Ms M Lyngdoh at Rs 45, despite the printed price being Rs 43, stated that he had to sell the milk at that price since the whole sellers at Paltan Bazaar have also overcharged him on the plea that there was shortage of the packaged milk.
Kimi Store owner Boi Kim said the other shops in Nongthymmai were also charging Rs 45 for the same milk. According to Boi Kim, there are certain items like Talab, Shikhar, Raja Khaini, Tulsi, etc., which are never sold at the printed price. He said this fact can be ascertained from every shop that sells these items.
The retailer claimed that this happens not only in Shillong, but also in other cities he visited. Boi Kim said even fresh milk supplied by the State Government is always sold at a higher price than the MRP at almost every shop in Shillong, especially in Nongthymmai.
The Shillong Times contacted East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner and Chairman District Consumer Redressal Forum, Jopthiaw Lyngdoh for his views on the matter. Lyngdoh emphatically stated that selling any product above the printed price is unfair trade practice under the Consumer Protection Act and anyone doing so is liable to be prosecuted.
“Last year when retailers were selling onions at more than the price fixed by the Government we took stern action against them. Any retailer selling any packaged item at higher than the MRP must know he/she is indulging in unfair trade practice and this should be nipped in the bud,” Lyngdoh stated.