Lawyer Wins ₹1 Lakh Compensation After Finding Dead Insect in Minute Maid Bottle

A South Mumbai lawyer, Nikita Ajwani, has won ₹1 lakh in compensation after finding a dead insect floating inside a sealed one-litre bottle of Minute Maid Pulpy Orange.

The Maharashtra State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission upheld the order, confirming that Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages Pvt Ltd and other parties are liable for the defect.

Ajwani purchased the beverage from Sahakari Bhandar's Colaba outlet in October 2011. She approached the consumer forum after complaining to the company about the insect, but they failed to respond satisfactorily.

The State Commission dismissed Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages Pvt Ltd's appeal and confirmed that the presence of a dead insect in a sealed beverage constitutes a serious deficiency in service and an unfair trade practice.