Coimbatore marriage halls refuse refunds to customers - Citizens Voice

Coimbatore: Consumer rights organisation Citizens Voice has alleged that some marriage hall owners in Coimbatore do not make refunds to consumers.

Citizens Voice Coimbatore, Founder President, CM Jayaram said, "Implementation of lockdown has forced many people to postpone their family marriage functions and some have started conducting functions at their homes. Considering the difficulty of the consumers, the state government has ordered that marriage halls refund the advance payments which were made before the lockdown implementation. Some marriage hall managements across the district are showing negligence in making the refunds. This is unfair and we strongly condemn this."

He added, "Consumers have alleged that when asked for a refund, managements of some of the marriage halls have replied that advance amounts will not be refunded. They make some lame excuses. Many marriage halls collect 50% of the total payments as advance. Non-refund of advances could cause a huge financial burden. We have received 10 complaints so far and many are on the line."

"In response to the government's directive, both private and government airways and Indian Railways have made the refund. However some owners of the marriage halls in Coimbatore show negligence in making the refund. It is time the District Collector initiated action on those who violate government orders", he said.

One of the affected consumers from Madukkarai said, "In 2019, on November 14, I booked a marriage hall near Sugunapuram for my daughter's marriage function which was scheduled on May 31and June 1. I made an advance payment of Rs 1.5 lakhs to the management. After the relaxations given under the lockdown, I met with the management and asked for the refund of my advance. However, they refused to do so. They gave me an option to arrange another party to book their hall and if that happens, maybe they would make a partial refund. This is unfair trade practice and we wish that the District Administration takes the necessary action."