KATHMANDU, Sept 23: The Department of Commerce, Supplies, and Consumer Protection has fined Rs 300,000 to Jimbu Thakali of Shanti Nagar, Kathmandu.

Jimbu Thakali was fined Rs 300,000 by the Department for selling mineral water at more than double the marked price. Complaints were received that Jimbu Thakali was charging up to Rs 100 for mineral water priced at Rs 35. Following this, a team led by Director General Rajan Paudel conducted a surprise inspection of the restaurant.

Director General Paudel told Republica that even he was deceived by Jimbu Thakali. He said that the restaurant was found charging double the marked price for water, thus cheating consumers. Based on this, a maximum penalty of Rs 300,000 was imposed under the Consumer Protection Act 2018, and the restaurant was also issued a warning.

He stated that if the restaurant is found selling water or any other items above the marked price again, it will be sealed.

He said, "We received complaints that Jimbu Thakali Restaurant was charging excessively for water. To investigate, we decided to visit the restaurant ourselves for a meal. When we arrived, we didn’t request water, but they brought it to us. We had water and momos as a snack. The marked price for a bottle of water is Rs 35, and charging more than the marked price is not allowed. We found that they were charging double the retail price."

He mentioned that seven teams from the Department are conducting market inspections, targeting the festive season. He added that the Department has intensified market monitoring to protect consumers from being cheated.

He also stated that market monitoring has been intensified across the country, including in the Kathmandu Valley in collaboration with the local units.

 
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