NCDRC AWARDED ₹2 CRORE COMPENSATION TO A WOMAN FOR A BAN HAIRCUT FOR DEFICIENCY IN SERVICE AND NEGLIGENCE

The National Consumer Disputes Redressal (NCDRC) awarded  ₹2 crore compensation to a woman who suffered mental trauma and jeopardised career prospects due to deficiency in services of a salon at a 5-star hotel.

Aashna Roy, the complainant, went for a haircut at Hotel ITC Maurya, New Delhi, on April 12, 2018, before appearing for an interview. She asked for her usual hairdresser, but since she was not available, the manager assigned another hairdresser. 

She asked for simple long flicks/layers that took over an hour. After the haircut, Roy saw that the hairdresser chopped her entire hair leaving a short length of hair barely touching her shoulders. Thereafter, Roy complained about the stylist to the manager, who in turn offered a free hair treatment. Roy claims that the hair treatment caused her damage and resulted in excessive irritation in her scalp due to excess ammonia. 

Aggrieved by the service, Roy moved to the consumer forum alleging deficiency in service on the part of opposite parties. She sought 3 cr for mental trauma and humiliation along with a written apology letter.

The Commission noted that Roy Senior Management Professional and received hair product modelling assignments due to her long hair. Due to negligence, Roy lost her job on 21st September.

The Commission further noted that ITC Maurya was also guilty of medical negligence as the complainant's scalp was burnt due to the staff's fault. 

A bench of President RK Agrawal and Member Dr SM Kantikar said that women are cautious about their hair and spend a handsome amount on them in keeping them in good condition. The bench directed the luxury hotel to pay ₹2 crores as compensation as the woman lost a huge assignment which caused huge loss and shattered her dreams to be a top model.

Author: Papiha Ghoshal