Summary: Aashna Roy took ITC Limited to court over a bad haircut at their New Delhi salon, initially winning ₹2 crore in damages. ITC challenged the payout, leading to a back-and-forth legal battle that ended with a reduced amount.
On April 12, 2018, Aashna Roy went to the ITC Maurya Hotel salon in New Delhi for a haircut. Unhappy with the result, she filed a complaint in July 2018 with the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission. The Commission sided with her on September 21, 2021, and awarded her ₹2 crore for poor service and carelessness.
"A sum of ₹2,00,00,000/- was awarded as compensation to Aashna Roy."
Not satisfied with the decision, ITC took the case to the Supreme Court. On February 7, 2023, the Court agreed there was poor service but questioned the compensation amount, as there wasn't enough solid proof for the claim. The Court sent the case back to the Commission, allowing Aashna Roy to provide more evidence.
After the case was sent back, Aashna Roy increased her compensation claim to ₹5.2 crore. She showed various documents, like job offers and modeling assignments, to support her claim. However, ITC argued these were just photocopies and lacked authenticity and proper proof.
"The documents filed by Aashna Roy and supplied to ITC are mere photocopies."
ITC pointed out that Aashna Roy's evidence, such as emails and certificates, wasn't believable. They argued that her job status stayed the same before and after the haircut, questioning the supposed financial loss.
"The Pay-slip indicates that Aashna Roy was gainfully employed before and after the haircut."
On February 6, 2026, the Supreme Court decided that the evidence provided wasn't enough to justify the ₹2 crore compensation. The Court reduced the award to the ₹25 lakh already given to Aashna Roy.
"The amount of compensation, to which Aashna Roy is entitled, shall be restricted to the amount already released in her favor."
