A routine salon appointment in Delhi turned into an extended courtroom battle after a model claimed a botched haircut damaged both her confidence and career prospects.
According to media reports, the dispute, which began in 2018, ultimately reached the Supreme Court, which has now scaled down the compensation awarded in the matter.
Media reports said the model had visited a salon at ITC Maurya on April 12, 2018, ahead of a key interview. She requested a layered style with long flicks, but alleged that the hairstylist cut off nearly four inches, leaving her with far shorter hair than she wanted. She later said the outcome left her shocked and distressed.
The hotel chain, however, denied any wrongdoing and maintained that the haircut was carried out exactly as per her instructions and with her approval.
Following the incident, the model approached the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC), accusing the salon of deficient service. She argued that the haircut caused emotional trauma, loss of self-esteem, and affected her ability to secure modelling assignments.
In 2021, the consumer commission ruled in her favour and awarded her Rs 2 crore as compensation, observing that the haircut had been done against her stated request and had triggered significant mental stress.
The model had initially sought Rs 3 crore, later raising her demand to Rs 5.20 crore after the case was remanded back to the commission. The NCDRC again granted Rs 2 crore along with 9% annual interest from the date of filing the complaint.
ITC Limited challenged the order before the Supreme Court, arguing that such a large sum was not backed by sufficient evidence.
The apex court agreed that compensation must be supported by credible proof and cannot be granted purely on assumptions. It noted that many documents submitted to support the claim were only photocopies and did not clearly establish a direct link between the haircut and the alleged professional or emotional losses.
While the Supreme Court acknowledged that there was a lapse in service, it ruled that the Rs 2 crore award was excessive and unjustified. The compensation was therefore reduced to Rs 25 lakh.
The judgment reinforced that consumers are entitled to seek redressal, but large claims—especially those involving emotional suffering or career setbacks—must be backed by reliable and verifiable evidence.
Also Read: Is Rs 2 Crore Compensation For A Botched Haircut Excessive? https://www.vibesofindia.com/is-rs-2-crore-compensation-for-a-botched-haircut-excessive/
