MUSCAT – The court also ordered the establishment to bear the expenses of the criminal case.
The case began when the Consumer Protection Authority (CPA) received a complaint from a consumer who had contracted the establishment to carry out interior and exterior decoration and painting work for his home, at an agreed cost of RO 6,500. The agreement stipulated that the work would be completed within two months, but the establishment failed to meet the deadline or complete the agreed works.

Upon investigation, the representative of the establishment admitted to the delay, citing the absence of the technician responsible for the work, who was reportedly outside the country for health-related reasons. The Consumer Protection Authority collected evidence and referred the matter to the Public Prosecution, which subsequently forwarded the case to the competent court.

After reviewing the facts, the court found the establishment guilty of the misdemeanour of “failing to provide the service in a proper manner consistent with its nature” and also for failing to issue an invoice written in Arabic in a clear script. For the first offense, the court imposed a RO 600 fine, and for the second, a RO 200 fine. The court ruled to implement the harsher of the two penalties and suspended the sentence, contingent on the establishment’s compliance with the agreement concluded with the consumer.

The Consumer Protection Authority reaffirmed its commitment to upholding consumer rights, stressing that it will continue to take strict legal measures against violators. It also called on all commercial establishments to fully comply with consumer protection laws and maintain transparency and professionalism in their dealings.