Advocate Sues Gucci For Selling 'Defective' Shoes; Demands ₹1 Crore Compensation For Mental Agony

An advocate has approached a Consumer Court in Mumbai seeking Rs one crore as damages and compensation from Italian brand Gucci after he received defective shoes from a city-based store.

As per the complaint, Advocate Ali Kaashif Khan Deshmukh, a resident of Andheri purchased a pair of shoes and a belt from the Nariman Point-based Gucci Store. However, his 'high expectations' from the brand were short-lived as he discovered some defect in the shoes, within an hour. On the next day, he received a 'written acknowledgement' from Gucci about the manufacturing defect in the shoes. 

"Therefore, I visited the same store for replacement of the shoes on April 5, 2024 but was compelled to buy another product with an additional cost of Rs 9500. I then issued a legal notice to the respondents on April 19, 2024, seeking compensation of Rs 1crore for mental anguish, humiliation, and time wasted. Respondents replied denying any mental trauma," the advocate stated in his complaint. 

The plaint further alleges that the shoes that were sold to the complainant advocate, were defective, causing him to fall twice and resulting in ongoing leg pain. In addition to the physical injuries the complainant sustained, he claimed to have also suffered emotionally due to the "embarrassment and humiliation of falling in public." This incident has affected his confidence and self-esteem, Deshmukh has stated. 

"The complainant holds the opponents responsible for these unfortunate circumstances. This present complaint is lodged against Gucci for selling defective products, causing physical injury, mental trauma, and failing to adhere to the standards of customer service expected of a renowned international brand," the plea reads. 

Therefore, the complainant has prayed for various directions to the respondent brand:

• Direct the opponents to pay Rs. Rs.1,00,00,000/- (one crore) for the mental agony and trauma suffered.
• Direct the opponents Reimbursement of additional costs i.e. Rs 9500/- which was charged.
• Direct the opponents to pay Rs.10,00,000/- for embarrassment and humiliation of falling down in public because of the defective shoes and deficiency in service and unfair trade practice.
• Direct the opponents to pay Rs. 50,000/- towards litigation cost/ legal expenses incurred by the Complainant.