Overview
- A bench of Justices Rajesh Bindal and Manmohan set aside the NCDRC’s ₹2 crore award and fixed compensation at ₹25 lakh already disbursed.
- The judges found no proven loss of modelling or film work or income attributable to the haircut, noting the evidence was largely unverified photocopies.
- The court rejected the NCDRC’s view that trauma justified reliance on photocopies and stressed that damages cannot be awarded on presumptions.
- Procedurally, the NCDRC held deficiency in service in 2021; the Supreme Court remanded quantum in 2023; the claimant then sought ₹5.2 crore and the NCDRC again granted ₹2 crore with 9% interest, triggering the appeal.
- The ruling preserves the finding of deficiency against ITC Maurya but clarifies consumer fora must demand basic proof standards for large awards, bringing the case to a close.