Fines and jail sentences given for violating consumer law in Oman

Muscat: Fines and jail sentences have been handed out to commercial establishments for violating the consumer protection law.
Primary courts in the wilayats of Izki and Nizwa recently passed rulings against several establishments for violating the consumer protection law sentencing some to jail and ordered others to pay fines.
Case One
The first case involved a complaint with the Public Authority for Consumer Protection against a commercial establishment that sells motorcycles in the Wilayat Nizwa.
The consumer said that he bought a motorcycle from the establishment. But the customer found that the vehicle wasn’t according to the specifications agreed on between the two parties with regards to the engine power.
After taking the necessary procedures, the case was taken before the primary court in Nizwa where the court ruled in the favour of consumer. The judge ordered the establishment to pay a fine of OMR100 including court costs and ordered both the parties to cancel the contract and go back to original agreement.
Case Two
A consumer filed a complaint with the PACP against an establishment specialising in tailoring curtains and furniture. The consumer asked the establishment to create customised curtains, couches and design the bedroom for OMR850 and that the work was to be done within a specific time period, according to the contract agreed upon by both the parties.
However, the establishment didn’t fulfill the contract and the consumer demanded a refund for the payment made in advance for the work.
After completing the procedures, the PACP forwarded the case to the primary court in Nizwa where the judge ruled in favour of the consumer.
The judge sentence the accused to 10 days in prison and a fine of OMR100 for failing to complete the job within the stipulated time.
Case Three
The PACP received a complaint from a consumer against a commercial centre in the Wilayat of Izki for failing to give him the remainder of his coin change. Representatives from the authority went to the centre to ensure the validity of the complaint.
After investigating, they determined the complaint was true based on the centre’s supervisor version whose excuse was that the coins were not available at the local bank.
The issue was taken to the court and the accused was sentenced to three months in prison for violating the consumer protection law.