Online Shopping Disputes Fall Under Consumer Courts, LHC Rules

The Lahore High Court (LHC) has ruled that online shopping disputes, such as non-delivery of goods after full payment or cancellation of orders, are subject to consumer courts. The court emphasized that jurisdiction should be determined by the cause of action, not the language or amount of the claim. Justice Malik Waqar Haider Awan made this decision while dismissing a constitutional petition filed by Dr Muhammad Ahtisham Qamar.

Qamar had challenged a civil court's decision to dismiss his damages suit and appeal, seeking Rs. 2,116,480 in refund and damages for an online clothing purchase. Despite full payment, the items were never delivered due to the Covid-19 pandemic; instead, the sellers canceled the order after 17 days. The civil court returned the case to the appropriate forum under the Punjab Consumer Protection Act 2005.