MUSCAT – The court imposed a fine of RO 500 and ordered the office owner to refund RO 900 paid by the consumer for the recruitment of a domestic worker, after the service was not provided as agreed within the specified timeframe.
According to case details, the consumer had entered into an agreement with the office for the provision of a domestic worker in exchange for RO 900. Despite the contractual terms, the office failed to fulfil its obligations, and repeated attempts by the consumer to obtain updates or resolution went unanswered.
The complaint was subsequently filed with the Consumer Protection Authority’s department in Al Dakhiliyah Governorate, which initiated an investigation. During the inquiry, the office owner acknowledged the failure to deliver the service and pledged to return the payment. However, the refund was not made, prompting authorities to escalate the matter to court.
The court found the defendant guilty of a misdemeanour for failing to provide the service in a proper manner consistent with its nature. In addition to the fine and refund order, the court ruled that the execution of the penalty would be suspended on the condition that the amount is paid within two weeks from the date of judgment. The defendant was also ordered to bear criminal costs.