Wednesday 24 July 2024
The Court of First Instance in Al Dakhiliya Governorate has issued a judicial ruling against a commercial establishment, specifically a blacksmith workshop, for violating the Consumer Protection Law outlined in Royal Decree No. 66/2014 and its executive regulations. The court's ruling includes reconciliation, conviction, and fines.
The case originated from a consumer complaint received by the Consumer Protection Department in Al Dakhiliya Governorate. The complainant had entered into an agreement with a commercial establishment that operated blacksmith workshops to install doors for their under-construction house. However, the establishment failed to meet the agreed-upon deadline and defects appeared in some of the completed work. Furthermore, the establishment exhibited procrastination in repairing the defects and completing the work according to the terms of the contract between the two parties. Subsequently, the complainant filed a complaint with the administration, which took the necessary measures and referred the case to the Public Prosecution for investigation before it reached the Court of First Instance.
The court facilitated a reconciliation contract between the two parties, in which the establishment agreed not to claim the remaining amount of the contract value, which was OMR 800. In return, the consumer waived any claims for damages related to the contract's implementation. The court convicted the establishment of misdemeanors, specifically the failure to provide the service properly and in accordance with its nature, as stipulated in Article 23 of the Consumer Protection Law. The penalty for this offense is outlined in Article 39 of the same law. The court ordered the establishment to pay a fine and documented the reconciliation agreement in the court session's minutes, making it enforceable.
The Consumer Protection Authority emphasizes the importance of suppliers adhering to the existing laws governing consumer protection and fulfilling their requirements and obligations. By doing so, the rights of consumers are preserved when they are provided with goods or services.