FPJ Impact: Mumbai Grahak Panchayat Seeks CCPA Probe Into Varying Rates Of Hotels For iPhone Users

Two days after the Free Press Journal reported on pricing variations for hotel bookings based on the booking was made from an iPhone or an Android device, the Mumbai Grahak Panchayat (MGP) has written to the Chief Commissioner of the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) addressing the issue to the authority. The letter seeks an investigation into the alleged unfair trade practices adopted by the hotel industry.

MGP Chairman Shirish Deshpande has urged the CCPA to take suo motu action against the hotels accused of overcharging iPhone users to prevent the continuation of such practices.

The letter, dated December 30 and accessed by FPJ, states:

“The news report dated December 28 marks a prima facie case against the hotels mentioned, where an entire class of iPhone consumers is prejudicially affected by overcharging. This discriminatory practice targets iPhone users solely because of their device and constitutes gross unfair trade practice by any standard. It must be immediately investigated, stopped, and penalized to prevent future recurrence. In our opinion, the CCPA has the power, authority, and jurisdiction under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, to act against such brazen unfair trade practices.”

The MGP has requested the CCPA to take suo motu cognizance of the issue and act against the alleged violations to ensure fair practices in the hotel industry.

The FPJ report highlighted significant pricing discrepancies for hotel bookings made on iPhones versus Android devices, with variations of up to ₹3,000 for the same bookings.

Examples of Pricing Variations:

Hotel Kohinoor Elite (near BKC): ₹8,910 on Android vs ₹9,900 on iPhone.

Hotel Radisson (Andheri MIDC): ₹18,626 on Android vs ₹22,500 on iPhone.

Hotel Fern Residency (location not specified): ₹20,437 on Android vs ₹22,708 on iPhone.

Holiday Inn (location not specified): ₹11,996 on Android vs ₹12,038 on iPhone.