'Lifestyle should refund Rs 41 interest to customer for incorrect invoices'

The anti-profiteering authority has directed Lifestyle International to refund Rs 41 plus interest to a customer as it issued "incorrect invoices" and failed to pass on GST rate cut benefits.

The National Anti Profiteering Authority (NAA) also ordered it deposit Rs 15,820 in a fund.

In its ruling, the NAA observed that Lifestyle International and Mahagun Metro Mall, Vaishali, Ghaziabad, have not lowered the prices of 'Maybelline FIT ME foundation' despite a cut in GST rate from 28 percent to 18 percent with effect from November 15, 2017.

The NAA also ruled that Lifestyle International had issued "incorrect invoices" while selling the product to its customers as it had not correctly shown the basic price which should have been legally charged and hence is liable for imposition of penalty.

"The Respondent (Lifestyle International) is directed to reduce the price of both the shades of the product to Rs 410 and Rs 449 respectively excluding GST.

"He is also directed to refund an amount of Rs 41 along with interest @ 18 percent to the applicant from the date when this amount was realized by him from her till the date of refund," the NAA order said.

As the other purchasers of the product were not identifiable, the NAA directed the Directorate General of Anti Profiteering (DGAP) to collect the balance amount of profiteering of Rs 15,820 and deposit it in the Consumer Welfare Fund of the Central and the concerned state government along with interest of 18 percent.

The amount, the NAA said, will have to be refunded or deposited within three months.