MUSCAT – The court imposed financial penalties and affirmed the consumer’s right to restitution after the business failed to fulfil its contractual obligations.

The case originated from a complaint filed by a consumer with the Consumer Protection Authority’s department in Barka. The consumer had entered into an agreement with the establishment for the installation of home stonework valued at RO 1,850, of which RO 500 were paid in advance. The contract stipulated that the work would begin within 45 days, but the establishment failed to meet this commitment.

Following unsuccessful attempts at an amicable resolution, the Administration escalated the case to the Public Prosecution, which conducted further investigations and subsequently referred the matter to the competent court.

The court found the establishment and its owner guilty of failing to provide the agreed-upon service in a proper manner and in accordance with its nature. The Court ruled to sentence the first defendant to 10-day imprisonment and a fine of RO 100, and sentence the second defendant to a fine of RO 200, with the custodial penalty suspended if the adjudged amount is paid within the prescribed period.

They were also obliged to pay the costs of the criminal case, in addition to affirming the settlement agreement concluded between the two parties and granting it the force of an executive bond.

The Consumer Protection Authority affirmed its full keenness to enforce the laws regulating the market and called upon all suppliers to fully comply with the provisions of the laws and regulations, stressing that all legal measures will be taken against violators in order to safeguard the rights of consumers.