More and more complaints against retailers for charging excessive VAT (Value added tax) or charging VAT on discounted items are being filed at the district consumer fora. Today, 11 cases were filed against Numero Uno while five cases were filed against Park Avenue. Two other cases were filed against Color Plus.

Around 100 complaints of charging VAT illegally have been received in the consumer fora in the last few days against leading brands in Chandigarh. Earlier, Lifestyle International, Winners Sports, Shoppers Stop and Red Tape were fined for the same.

“Though the UT administration has strict rules against charging VAT illegally, it has not acted as a deterrent against the companies. Brands often charge VAT on discounted items which is not only an unfair trade practice but also against the norms,” said an advocate. Though, property and insurance cases are mostly reported in the fora, but due to increasing awareness, VAT cases have also increased.