MUSCAT – While the firm was acquitted of specific maintenance charges due to insufficient evidence, the court imposed a RO 1,000 fine on each defendant for failing to provide the consumer with an official invoice written in Arabic, a key protection under Oman’s Consumer Protection Law.

The case stems from a complaint filed by a consumer over the company’s – a commercial establishment specialising in the sale of electronic appliances – failure to meet warranty and maintenance obligations for supplied air-conditioning units.

According to case details, the consumer had contracted the company to install an air-conditioning system in his residence with a five-year warranty. After installation, he reported defects in the performance of the units, as well as an increase in electricity consumption that was inconsistent with the specifications agreed upon at the time of contracting.

Despite the company carrying out certain inspection and maintenance works, the consumer maintained that the service did not meet the agreed standards. He subsequently submitted a complaint to the Consumer Protection Authority (CPA), which conducted investigations, gathered the necessary documents and technical reports, and referred the case to the Public Prosecution.

After reviewing the case, the Court issued a judgment in the presence of the defendants, acquitting them of the charges of failing to provide the service in a proper manner and failing to comply with warranty, repair, and maintenance obligations, citing insufficient evidence.

However, the Court convicted the defendants of failing to provide the consumer with an invoice written in the Arabic language confirming receipt of the service. Each defendant was fined RO 1,000. The Court also ordered that the civil claim be referred to the competent department.