Chandigarh Consumer Court prohibits shopkeepers from demanding personal details of customers
PTC Web Desk: In a landmark decision, the Chandigarh Consumer Court has issued a directive prohibiting all shopkeepers, including those in Elante Mall, from demanding personal details, such as mobile numbers, from customers during billing. According to the court order, any shopkeeper found violating this rule could face severe legal consequences, including a minimum fine of Rs 25,000 and up to three years of imprisonment.
The ruling came after advocate Pankaj Chandgothia filed a petition, claiming that several shopkeepers, including those in Elante Mall, were collecting customers' mobile numbers and misusing the information. Advocate Chandgothia emphasized that despite a previous order issued in 2023, which prohibited shopkeepers from demanding mobile numbers or any personal information, violations continued. As a result, he filed the petition that led to the issuance of this new directive.
"The directive is not limited to Chandigarh alone but applies across India. Any shopkeeper requesting your mobile number during billing is violating the law, and customers have the right to file a complaint," said advocate Chandgothia. He also stressed that legal action could be taken against such shopkeepers, with penalties, including fines and imprisonment.
The court, in response to advocate Chandgothia's complaint, has also issued notices to four shopkeepers accused of breaching the privacy rule. They have been given until October 14 to file their responses.
- With inputs from our correspondent
