Monday 17 February 2025
The Primary Court in Sama'el recently issued a judicial ruling against a commercial establishment specializing in the customization and installation of kitchens for violating the Consumer Protection Law, issued under Royal Decree No. (66/2014), and its executive regulations. The ruling found the establishment guilty and imposed a financial penalty.
The case originated when the Consumer Protection Administration in Al Dakhiliyah Governorate received a complaint from a consumer who had entered into an agreement with a commercial establishment specializing in kitchen customization and installation. The agreement stipulated that a kitchen would be customized for his under-construction home at a cost of OMR 3,400. The consumer made an advance payment of OMR 1,500, with the installation scheduled to be completed after 45 days from the date of measurement, as per the contract between the two parties. However, the establishment delayed the completion of the work, prompting the consumer to file a complaint with the administration, which then took the necessary legal measures. Due to the failure to reach an amicable settlement between the parties, the case was referred to the Public Prosecution, which initiated an investigation and forwarded it to the competent authorities. The court ultimately convicted the first and second defendants of the misdemeanor of failing to provide the agreed-upon service to the consumer. The court sentenced the first defendant to one month in prison and fined the second defendant OMR 300. Additionally, both defendants were jointly ordered to pay OMR 2,800 to the consumer.
The Consumer Protection Authority urges suppliers to comply with the applicable laws governing consumer protection and to fulfill their obligations to ensure consumers' rights are safeguarded when providing any goods or services.