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Submit your complaint →CA Finalist Aanirudha Harlalka alleges Flipkart charged hidden GT charges of ₹400 not reflected in the invoice. Read full complaint, legal actions, authorities involved, and how Choice4Voice.com helps victims of e-commerce scams.
Complaint Summary : Flipkart Scam Alert: Unexplained GT Charges on Online Purchase Raised by Aanirudha Harlalka
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Complainant Name | Aanirudha Harlalka |
| Not disclosed | |
| Complaint Type | Hidden Charges / Invoice Discrepancy |
| Company/Brand | Flipkart |
| Product/Service | Online Purchase |
| Invoice No. / Order No. | Not disclosed |
| Issue Description | Customer paid ₹1,611, but invoice reflects only ₹1,194. Flipkart charged an unexplained “GT Charges” (~₹400) not disclosed in invoice or purchase summary. |
| Date of Incident | September 2025 |
| Company’s Response | Customer care confirmed it is a logistics fee, but it was never disclosed upfront or mentioned in the final invoice. |
| Location | India |
Full Complaint Write-up
Aanirudha Harlalka, a CA Finalist and commerce graduate, has raised a serious concern about Flipkart’s billing practices.
According to his statement, the final price he paid for a product was ₹1,611, but the invoice issued by Flipkart reflected only ₹1,194. The unexplained difference of around ₹400 was marked as “GT Charges.”
Upon contacting customer care, Flipkart representatives explained that GT Charges are logistics charges billed to the logistics department of Flipkart. However, the complainant points out two critical violations:
- Non-Disclosure at Checkout: These charges were not shown at the time of purchase.
- Invoice Discrepancy: The charges are missing from the official invoice, which is a legal requirement.
Such practices not only mislead customers but may also amount to tax and invoicing violations, since an invoice must reflect the full amount charged.
The complainant urges consumers to be cautious and avoid platforms that engage in such hidden charge practices, highlighting the need for awareness and strict regulation in the e-commerce sector.
How Choice4Voice.com Can Help
At Choice4Voice.com, we ensure that complaints like this are not ignored by big corporations. In cases involving hidden charges and billing discrepancies, we help by:
- Publishing complaints online: Making cases public to create awareness and pressure.
- Educating consumers: Informing victims about their legal rights under GST and Consumer Protection Act.
- Providing complaint templates: For filing cases with GST authorities, RBI, Consumer Forum, and Ministry of Consumer Affairs.
- Guiding legal remedies: Explaining step-by-step how to escalate unresolved complaints.
- Amplifying consumer voices on LinkedIn: Ensuring that brands respond quickly due to reputational pressure.
Legal Cases That Can Be Filed
- Consumer Protection Act, 2019
- Hidden charges and lack of invoice transparency amount to Unfair Trade Practice.
- Complaint can be filed with District Consumer Forum.
- Legal Metrology Act, 2009
- Mandates clear disclosure of all charges, including delivery fees.
- GST Act, 2017
- Since invoices must reflect the complete taxable value, missing charges can amount to GST violations.
- IT Act, 2000
- E-commerce companies are liable for transparency in digital transactions.
Departments Where Complaints Can Be Filed
- District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (Consumer Forum) – For unfair trade practice.
- GST Department – For discrepancies in invoices.
- Ministry of Consumer Affairs (consumerhelpline.gov.in) – For hidden charges.
- Legal Metrology Department – For violation of billing disclosure laws.
- National Consumer Helpline (1800-11-4000) – Immediate escalation.
Step-by-Step Complaint Filing Guide
- File a Consumer Forum Case
- Draft a complaint with proof of invoice and payment.
- Submit online via edaakhil.nic.in.
- Report to GST Department
- File grievance via cbic-gst.gov.in.
- Highlight mismatch in invoice vs. amount paid.
- Complain on Consumer Helpline
- Visit consumerhelpline.gov.in and submit complaint.
- Upload invoice and payment proof.
- Escalate to Legal Metrology Department
- Report lack of transparent breakup of charges.
Pre-Drafted Complaint Templates
Consumer Forum Complaint
To,
The District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission,
[City/State]
Subject: Complaint against Flipkart for hidden GT Charges not reflected in invoice
Respected Sir/Madam,
I purchased a product from Flipkart at a final cost of ₹1,611. However, the invoice issued reflected only ₹1,194. The difference (~₹400) was explained as “GT Charges,” which were never disclosed during purchase nor mentioned in the invoice.
This is a clear case of unfair trade practice, lack of transparency, and possible GST violation. I request the Commission to take strict action and direct Flipkart to refund the hidden charges and compensate for mental harassment.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Author Section
About the Author:
Aanirudha Harlalka is a CA Finalist and alumnus of St. Xavier’s College (2022). As a finance professional, he understands consumer rights and accounting transparency. His post exposing hidden charges by Flipkart aims to create awareness among consumers about their rights under GST and consumer laws.
Q&A Section
1. What are GT Charges in Flipkart billing?
GT Charges reportedly stand for logistics charges. However, in this case, they were deducted but not shown in the invoice, which is against GST laws.
2. Is it legal for Flipkart to charge fees not shown in invoice?
No. Under GST and Consumer Protection Act, all charges must be disclosed upfront and reflected in the final invoice.
3. What laws protect consumers from hidden charges?
The Consumer Protection Act, GST Act, and Legal Metrology Act protect customers from undisclosed or unfair billing.
4. Can hidden charges be challenged in Consumer Court?
Yes. A consumer can file a case with the District Consumer Forum for refund and compensation.
5. Does GST law require full breakup in invoice?
Yes. An invoice must include product price, discounts, delivery charges, platform fees, and GST.
6. Can logistics charges be separately billed?
Only if disclosed clearly before purchase and included in the invoice. Secret deductions are illegal.
7. How can I report Flipkart for hidden charges?
You can file complaints at consumerhelpline.gov.in, edaakhil.nic.in, or with the GST Department.
8. Can GST fraud be reported anonymously?
Yes, the GST portal allows anonymous reporting of tax evasion cases.
9. Is this case considered an unfair trade practice?
Yes, charging hidden fees without disclosure qualifies as an unfair trade practice.
10. How much compensation can a consumer claim?
Consumers can claim refund plus additional compensation for mental harassment and litigation costs.
11. Does Flipkart have a history of hidden charges complaints?
Yes, multiple users have reported similar issues with “convenience fees” and other charges.
12. Can RBI intervene in e-commerce hidden charges?
RBI may not directly handle invoice disputes, but it regulates payment practices. Complaints can be escalated if the fee relates to payment handling.
13. What is the role of Legal Metrology in this case?
It ensures fairness in billing, weights, and measures. Non-disclosure of delivery or platform charges violates the Act.
14. What documents should I keep for filing complaint?
- Invoice issued by Flipkart
- Proof of payment (bank statement/UPI transaction)
- Screenshots of customer care response
15. Can collective complaints be filed against Flipkart?
Yes, multiple consumers can file a class action under the Consumer Protection Act.
16. How can Choice4Voice.com assist in such cases?
We create awareness, draft legal complaint templates, guide filing process, and amplify the complaint on LinkedIn for brand accountability.
17. What is the maximum penalty for unfair trade practices in India?
Companies may face hefty fines, refund orders, and directions to change their policies.
18. Can GST discrepancies attract tax audits?
Yes. If large-scale violations are found, the GST Department can audit Flipkart’s accounts.
19. What is the first step for a consumer facing this issue?
Immediately raise a complaint with Flipkart support, keep written proof, and escalate to consumer helpline if unresolved.
20. How long does it take for Consumer Forum cases to resolve?
Simple cases may be resolved in 3–6 months, while complex disputes can take up to a year.
