MUSCAT – The CPA noted that the Directorate General of Consumer Protection in North Al Batinah Governorate received a complaint from a consumer who alleged that he had contracted the defendants to manufacture a number of doors and windows, and paid OMR 840 as advance. Although a date was set for handing over the work, the defendant did not complete the work within the agreed period, and handed him a non-Arabic invoice.

As the Directorate failed to reach an amicable solution between the two parties, the case file was referred to the judicial authorities. The court convicted the two defendants of a misdemeanor of violating the Consumer Protection Law for failure to provide proper service to the consumer, and ordered a fine of OMR100 each, in addition to the legal expenses. The court convicted the first defendant of not committing to handing over an invoice in Arabic to the consumer and imposed a fine of OMR100.

As per the second case, the complaint from a consumer stated that he contracted the establishment to manufacture a kitchen for his home. The establishment delayed the completion of the work despite the consumer’s payment of the amounts agreed upon. Besides, the defendant also refused to return the amount paid. Accordingly, the consumer submitted his complaint to the Directorate, which in turn took the necessary measures and referred the case to the Public Prosecution Office, which referred it to the competent court.

The court convicted the defendants of a misdemeanor of violating the Consumer Protection Law for failing to provide proper service to the consumer at the time agreed upon. The Court ordered the first defendant to serve a month prison and pay OMR 100 along with legal expenses. The court also ordered the deportation of the first accused after serving his sentence.

The Consumer Protection Authority, represented by its various directorates and departments, calls on suppliers to adhere to the laws, regulations, and systems in force with regard to consumer protection in order to avoid legal accountability.