Maggi issue to be heard by apex consumer disputes forum on Friday

The Rs.640-crore class action suit filed by the Government of India against Nestle alleging unfair trade practices and sale of defective goods with regard to Maggi is scheduled to be heard by the apex consumer disputes forum on Friday, officials said.

According to the media officer in the Department of Consumer Affairs, Rs.284.55 crore has been sought for unfair trade practice of selling defective and hazardous goods, and Rs.355.40 crore as punitive damage from Nestle at the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission.

"The department has filed this class action suit on behalf of the large number of consumers of Maggi in the country against Nestle India on the grounds of unfair trade practices, sale of defective goods and sale of Maggi Oats Noodles to the public without product approval," he said.

"The punitive damages have been claimed on account of gross negligence, apathy and callousness on the part of the opponent company."

When contacted, a Nestle spokesperson told IANS: "We have not received any official notice about the complaint. We will try to respond after receiving the official papers and upon consultations with our legal team."

The complaint, the department's media officer said, has been filed under Section 12(1)(d) of the Consumer Protection Act, 1986. Under this clause, the central or the state government may file such suits in the interests of the consumers in general file.

In a class action suit, a single case is filed collectively by a group of people or on its behalf. The central or state governments can also become the complainants.