Annavaram temple shop ordered to pay ₹7 Lakh for ₹7 MRP overcharge

The case originated from a complaint filed by D. Venkateswara Rao, who visited the temple on February 22, 2026. According to the complaint, he purchased a one-litre water bottle carrying an MRP of ₹18, but was charged ₹25 by the temple-premises outlet. The payment was made through UPI.

The Kakinada District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, in its August 28 order, held that charging above the printed MRP amounted to an unfair trade practice and deficiency in service under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019. The commission relied on the payment record and other evidence while rejecting the shopkeeper's explanation that the ₹25 payment covered additional items.

Apart from directing the shop licensee to deposit ₹7 lakh in the Consumer Welfare Fund, the commission ordered a refund of the ₹7 excess amount to the complainant, ₹10,000 as compensation and ₹5,000 towards litigation expenses.

The complaint against the temple administration was not upheld. However, the commission directed the authorities to ensure that MRP information is prominently displayed at licensed shops within the temple premises and that devotees are informed not to pay more than the printed price.

The unusually large penalty compared with the ₹7 overcharge is intended to serve as a deterrent against similar practices, particularly at major pilgrimage centres where visitors may have limited alternatives for purchasing essential items such as drinking water.