What To Do If Shopkeepers Charge More Than The MRP?

Do you know it’s illegal for a shopkeeper to charge more than the MRP in India, as it’s a violation of the law?  According to the Legal Metrology Act, 2009, the MRP written on a product is the maximum price a customer has to pay for the product. However, despite these clear laws, overcharging by shopkeepers significantly in places like cinemas, malls, airports, and tourist destinations remains a common issue.

If you’ve ever been in a situation where a seller demanded more than the printed MRP, then understand that this is a violation of the law. As a consumer, you have the power to take action. This blog will help you understand its significance, the legal framework that governs it, and steps to take if a shopkeeper charges more than the MRP. 

What Is MRP?

The Maximum Retail Price (MRP) is the highest price that a seller can legally charge for a product. This includes the price of the product, all applicable taxes such as GST, and any other charges that the consumer might incur. The MRP is determined by the manufacturer or importer and is mandatorily printed on the packaging of all pre-packed commodities. As per Rule 6 of the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011, every pre-packaged commodity should have a declaration of MRP marked in Indian currency. Retailers are legally prohibited from charging more than the MRP, but they are allowed to sell at a price lower than the MRP. 

Why MRP Is Important?

The topic of Maximum retail price has a major role in ensuring fair trade, transparency, and legal accountability in the Indian retail ecosystem. It is not merely a printed number on packaging, but it’s a consumer right protected under Indian law. Here are the reasons why:

• To Provide Consumer Protection 
• Generate Market Regulation 
• Induce Transparency in Trade
• Legal Accountability 
• Legal Metrology Compliance 

What To Do If The Shopkeeper Is Charging More Than MRP?

If a shopkeeper is demanding a price higher than the Maximum Retail Price (MRP) mentioned on the product, it is a violation of Indian law under the Legal Metrology Act, 2009. As a customer, you are protected against such unfair trade practices and have the right to act. Here you can check what to do if the shopkeeper charges more than the MRP:-

• Request a Bill – Always ask for a printed bill or receipt. This serves as legal evidence in case you want to file a complaint later.
• Politely Confront the Seller – Inform the shopkeeper that charging more than mentioned on the label is illegal, and you are aware of your fundamental rights. In some cases, the shopkeeper may back down. 
• Capture Evidence – Take a proper photo of the item showing MRP and a photo of the bill showing the amount you were asked to pay.
• Note Down Details – Record the name and location of the shop, with the date and time of the incident. If possible, get the shopkeeper’s name.
• Lodge a Formal Complaint – If the seller denies complying and continues overcharging, file a complaint with the relevant consumer authority or Legal Metrology Department (explained in the next section).

How To Lodge a Complaint Against a Shopkeeper For Overcharging Than MRP?

If you have been overcharged, the Indian government gives many channels for you to seek redressal. Here we have mentioned the method you can use to file a complaint against a shopkeeper for overcharging than the MRP:

1. Call the National Consumer Helpline

• Toll Free Number – 1800-11-4000 or 1915
• Timings – 9:30 Am to 5:30 Pm (Monday to Saturday)
• Contact a trained counselor who will help you with your rights and next steps. 

2. File an Online Complaint 

• Complain on https://consumerhelpline.gov.in
• Sign up, explain your issue, upload a photo of evidence (product, MRP, and bill, documents), and submit

3. Use the Consumer App (Mobile App)

• Download from the Google play store or the apple store
• Submit a complaint, view status, and receive updates directly from your smartphone

4. Contact the Legal Metrology Department

Every state has a controller of Legal Metrology:

• Visit the official website of your state’s Department of Legal Metrology
• Lodge a written complaint with an attached photo and a copy of the bill. 

5. Email the Consumer Affairs Ministry

• Send an email with proper details to consumeraffairs@nic.in

6. File a Case in Consumer Court

If no action is taken, file a case under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 for:

• Refund of the overcharged amount 
• Compensation for harassment
• Legal expenses

Is It Legal To Charge More Than MRP?

No, it is not legal to charge more than the MRP for any pre-packaged product in India. This rule applies to:

• Packaged food and Packaged beverages
• Bottled and soft drinks
• Personal care items
• FMCG 
• LMPC for Electronic and household items

Exceptions:

Some gray areas exist in service settings, such as:

• Hotels and restaurants are charging more for bottled water as part of the service 

What Is the MRP Of A Product?

The maximum Retail Price (MRP) is the highest price a customer can be charged for a packaged product, including:

• Manufacturing Cost 
• Transportation and logistics 
• Taxes (Like GST)
• Dealer Margins
• Retailer Profit

Legal Requirement 

According to Rule 6 of the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, MRP should be declared in Indian currency, and the retailer should not charge more than that amount. 

Tips to Avoid Being Overcharged

To secure yourself as a consumer and prevent falling victim to overpricing, follow these practical tips:

1. Always check the MRP 
2. Ask for a Bill 
3. Buy from reputable sellers
4. Be alert in overcharging hotspots 
5. Use price comparison apps
6. Know your rights
7. Report repeat offenders

Know Your Rights As a Consumer

The Consumer Protection Act, 2019, empowers every indian citizen with the following rights:

• Right to be Informed
• Right to Choose
• Right to Safety 
• Right to Redressal 
• Right to Consumer Education 
• Right to be Heard