In a case that has caught public attention for its blend of glamour and grit, advocate Ali Kaashif Khan Deshmukh has filed a complaint with the South Mumbai District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission against Italian fashion house Gucci. He alleges that a pair of Gucci shoes he purchased on March 6, 2024, was defective—causing him to slip, fall, and suffer public embarrassment and physical pain.
The complaint, filed under the Consumer Protection Act, seeks over ₹1 crore in damages for deficiency in service and unfair trade practices. Notices have been issued to Gucci’s Indian retail outlets, including those in the Trident Hotel and Jio World Plaza.
Complaint Details: Physical Injury and Public Humiliation
According to Deshmukh, the shoes were uneven, with a difference in elevation between the left and right soles. Within an hour of wearing them, he allegedly stumbled and fell in public, suffering visible discomfort and emotional embarrassment.
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Despite promptly visiting the Gucci store at Bandra Kurla Complex to raise the issue, he claimed he was met with “unhelpful and dismissive” behavior. Gucci later issued a written acknowledgment on March 7, confirming a minor manufacturing defect in the elevation of the shoes.
Legal Grounds and Emotional Toll
Deshmukh’s legal plea emphasizes not just physical pain but significant emotional distress. He asserts that the fall impacted his confidence, caused trauma, and affected his professional image.
He further argues that spending an additional ₹9,500 on a replacement pair failed to mitigate the damage. The plea brands Gucci’s conduct as negligent and unbefitting of an international luxury label, citing poor customer service and disregard for consumer well-being.
₹1.14 Crore Compensation Sought
The lawyer is seeking a combined compensation of ₹1.14 crore—covering mental agony, public humiliation, loss of time, and legal expenses. His plea urges the consumer court to hold Gucci accountable for selling defective products and violating service standards expected from a premium global brand.
The case, while unusual in its specifics, shines a spotlight on the broader issue of brand responsibility and consumer protection in India’s high-end retail market.