Muscat – The court found the establishment guilty and imposed financial penalties, along with a prison sentence for one of the defendants.

The case stemmed from a complaint filed with the Consumer Protection Authority’s department in Al Dakhiliyah Governorate. A consumer reported that he had entered into an agreement with the establishment to purchase and install central air conditioners for a total of RO 1,841, with the installation to be completed within three days. The consumer also stated that he had not received an invoice in Arabic, in violation of legal requirements.

Despite the agreed terms, the establishment failed to complete the installation within the specified period and delayed the work, prompting the consumer to file an official complaint. Following investigations, the Department referred the case to the Public Prosecution, which proceeded with legal action.

The defendants were convicted of the misdemeanour of “Failure to provide the service to the consumer properly and in accordance with its nature”. The first defendant was sentenced to one month in prison and fined RO 500, while both defendants were convicted of “Failure to issue an invoice in the Arabic language”, in violation of Article 41 in reference to Article 24 of the Consumer Protection Law, and fined RO 500 each. The court combined the penalties, with the harsher sentence to be enforced.

The Consumer Protection Authority emphasised that suppliers must adhere strictly to the provisions of the Consumer Protection Law and its regulations. It reiterated that all suppliers are obligated to deliver goods and services in line with agreed standards and to issue Arabic-language invoices as required by law.