Gurugram gym goers win Rs 25,500 after ‘promised quiet workouts’ turn overcrowded

The Gurugram District Consumer Commission directed a gym to refund Rs 10,000 to two members who claimed the gym was overcrowded despite assurances of adequate equipment availability. The bench, comprising president Sanjeev Jindal and members Khushwinder Kaur and Jyoti Siwach, found the gym in violation of service standards after failing to contest the complaint.

In addition to the refund, the commission awarded Rs 10,000 for mental harassment and Rs 5,500 for litigation costs. The commission deemed the gym guilty of providing deficient service and directed it to refund the membership fee to the complainants, including interest from the date of the complaint filing. The complainants had purchased a four-month gym membership for Rs 10,000, believing the gym would not be overcrowded and that necessary equipment would be available during evening hours.

Upon their arrival on April 17, 2024, they found the gym overcrowded, with many members waiting to use the equipment. Despite repeated requests for a refund, the gym did not address their concerns, leading to the filing of a complaint. The gym did not appear at the commission, and its evidence was not presented, allowing the complainants' account to stand without rebuttal.

The commission concluded that the gym had failed to deliver on its promises, warranting full compensation for the members' dissatisfaction and additional financial relief for the mental distress caused.