📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Dist
Business
Chhattisgarh Consumer Commission calls mall parking fees unfair trade practice
✍️ The Times of India
🗓 30 Sep 2026, 01:01 AM
👁 11
The Chhattisgarh Consumer Commission has declared that charging a fee for parking at shopping malls constitutes an unfair trade practice.
The Chhattisgarh Consumer Commission issued a notice stating that levying a charge for parking vehicles in shopping malls violates consumer protection norms and qualifies as an unfair trade practice. The commission’s observation is based on the principle that parking facilities are part of the services offered by a mall and should be provided without additional cost to shoppers.
In its statement, the commission warned mall operators that continuing to collect parking fees could attract legal action under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019. It urged retailers to reassess their fee structures and align them with fair trade guidelines.
Consumer groups have welcomed the move, saying it will ease the financial burden on shoppers, especially in tier‑2 cities where parking costs can be significant. The commission has asked mall owners to submit a compliance report within 30 days, after which further directives may be issued.
In its statement, the commission warned mall operators that continuing to collect parking fees could attract legal action under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019. It urged retailers to reassess their fee structures and align them with fair trade guidelines.
Consumer groups have welcomed the move, saying it will ease the financial burden on shoppers, especially in tier‑2 cities where parking costs can be significant. The commission has asked mall owners to submit a compliance report within 30 days, after which further directives may be issued.