In India, maximum retail price (MRP) refers to the highest price at which a product can be sold. It comprises of cost of production, transportation, profit and all the taxes that are applicable. It is compulsory to print MRP on the product and no product can be sold above the MRP.
Any seller in India is not allowed to sell products more than the MRP mentioned on the product. Although, there are many circumstances where the sellers are seen selling goods on two MRPs.
For e.g. – Let us say a packaged bottled water MRP is Rs 20 at the nearby grocery shop. And if you purchase the same bottle at airport or multiplex, you will realise that the MRP mentioned on the bottle is Rs 40. You will look at the MRP and blindly pay the amount as if the price is correct.
According to government rules, companies are forbidden to sale the same product at different MRPs within a state. Also, if you found two MRP rates then the lowest price of that product is considered a true MRP.
Where to complain?
As per the consumer protection act, 1986 a complaint can be filed in –
- District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum if the value of claim is up to Rs 20 lakh
- State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission if the value of claim exceeds 20 lakhs but is within 1 crore.
- National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission if the value of the claim exceeds Rs. 1 crore.