Matrimonial Service Ordered to Pay ₹60,000 After Failing to Deliver on Match Promise in Bengaluru

A Bengaluru-based matrimonial service, Dil Mil, has been ordered by a consumer court to compensate a dissatisfied customer ₹60,000 after failing to deliver on their promise to find a suitable match. The decision, announced by the Fourth Additional District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission in Bengaluru, underscores the need for accountability in matrimonial services as more people rely on them for marriage prospects.

The Dispute Over Undelivered Matchmaking Services

This case began when Kumar, a Bengaluru resident, reached out to Dil Mil earlier this year to find a bride for his son Balaji. Influenced by the company’s promotional material, Kumar was persuaded by the Dil Mil team to sign up in March, paying an initial fee of ₹30,000. The firm reportedly assured Kumar that a suitable match would be found within a month.

However, after a month passed with no updates, Kumar inquired about the progress. He claims his queries were met with dismissive responses and promises that yielded no results. By the end of April, Kumar alleges that not a single potential match had been presented. Frustrated by the lack of communication and the firm’s unfulfilled promise, Kumar sent legal notices to Dil Mil in May.

Court Steps In After Dil Mil Fails to Respond

The case took a turn when Dil Mil did not respond to Kumar’s legal notices. Despite being summoned by the court, the company failed to make an appearance or file an official response. The Fourth Additional District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, presided over by Ramachandra MS, found this lack of response indicative of the company’s disregard for customer service and legal obligations.

On October 28, the court ruled in Kumar’s favor, citing the company’s failure to defend itself. It ordered Dil Mil to refund the original ₹30,000 fee with a 6% interest rate. Additionally, the court mandated that Dil Mil pay ₹20,000 in damages for poor service, ₹5,000 for the customer’s mental distress, and another ₹5,000 to cover legal expenses, bringing the total compensation to ₹60,000.

Legal Precedents and Consumer Protection

The court emphasized the importance of consumer rights, noting that this judgment aligns with a 2018 ruling which established that if a company fails to appear in court, allegations against it may be treated as factual. This verdict is a reminder that businesses cannot ignore customer complaints and must uphold service commitments, especially when legal proceedings are involved.

Implications for Matrimonial Services and Customer Awareness

As more people turn to digital matrimonial services, the need for consumer protection becomes more pronounced. The ruling serves as a warning to similar companies to fulfill their promises and engage responsibly with clients. For customers, this case highlights the importance of holding service providers accountable and seeking legal recourse if promises go unmet.

A Step Toward Transparency in Matrimonial Services

This verdict not only underscores the need for transparency and accountability within matrimonial services but also reflects the consumer court’s commitment to protect individuals from deceptive business practices. The case stands as a powerful example for both service providers and customers, reinforcing that fair treatment and clear communication are essential to trust in any service industry.