Lawyer takes Gucci to consumer court after slipping while wearing defective shoes

The South Mumbai District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission on Friday issued notice to global luxury fashion house Gucci in a consumer complaint filed by a Mumbai-based advocate alleging sale of defective goods by a Mumbai outlet. [Ali Kaashif Khan Deshmukh v. Gucci]

A coram of Sadik Ali B Sayyad (President) and Gauri M Kapse (Member) issued notice to Guccio Gucci S.p.A. (Italy), Gucci’s Mumbai outlets at Trident Hotel and Jio World Plaza.

The matter arises from a complaint lodged by Advocate Ali Kaashif Khan Deshmukh, who contends that a pair of shoes purchased from Gucci for ₹75,500 on March 6, 2024 turned out to be defective, causing him physical discomfort and public embarrassment.

The plea, filed under the Consumer Protection Act, seeks compensation of over ₹1 crore for deficiency in service and unfair trade practice.

According to the complaint, Deshmukh discovered within an hour of purchase that the shoes were uneven, causing him to stumble and fall in public. The difference in elevation between the two shoes led to significant pain and visible discomfort, he stated in his complaint.

He further alleged that despite promptly returning to the store, he was redirected and later subjected to “unhelpful and dismissive" treatment by staff at Gucci’s Bandra Kurla Complex outlet.

A written acknowledgment dated March 7, 2024 issued by Gucci confirmed a slight difference in the elevation of the shoes, following internal inspection.

The complainant claimed that he was then compelled to spend an additional ₹9,500 for a replacement pair, which did not mitigate the mental distress already caused.

The plea argues that the incident resulted in not only physical injury, but severe emotional trauma, embarrassment and a loss of confidence.

"The complainant holds the opponents responsible for these unfortunate circumstances. This present complaint is lodged against Gucci for selling defective products, causing physical injury, mental trauma, and failing to adhere to the standards of customer service expected of a renowned international brand," the plea read.

Deshmukh sought general and special compensation totaling ₹1.14 crore for mental agony, humiliation, wasted time and litigation costs.