Muscat – The court sentenced them to six months’ imprisonment and imposed a total financial penalty of RO 1,500 for violating the Consumer Protection Law promulgated by Royal Decree No. 66/2014 and its Executive Regulations.

The case stemmed from a complaint filed by a consumer with the Consumer Protection Authority (CPA) in Barka. According to the complaint, the consumer had entered into a contract with the establishment for the fabrication and installation of granite and washbasins at his residence, agreeing to a total cost of RO 1,600 and a completion period of one month. However, the establishment failed to fulfil the terms of the agreement, delivering only part of the goods and repeatedly delaying the remainder.

Following the legal procedures undertaken by the Authority, the complaint was referred to the Public Prosecution, which in turn forwarded it to the competent court. The court convicted the three defendants of the misdemeanour of “failing to provide the service in a proper manner and in accordance with its nature.”

The court sentenced the first and second defendants to six months’ imprisonment and imposed fines of RO 500 each. The third defendant was fined RO 500, bringing the total financial penalty to RO 1,500. The court also ordered all three to bear the judicial expenses and referred the associated civil claim to the competent court.

The Consumer Protection Authority reaffirms the necessity for commercial establishments to comply with the applicable laws and regulations, and to fulfil their obligations towards consumers. It stressed that it will not hesitate to take the necessary legal measures against violators in order to protect consumer rights and ensure the integrity of commercial transactions.