KOCHI: The Ernakulam District Consumer Court has ordered a firm to pay Rs 3,39,329 as fees and compensation to the student who stopped the beauty enhancement course midway due to Covid. The order considered that the said firm's stance of not refunding the fee was unfair and unethical. Course fee of Rs 2,79,329 and compensation of Rs 60,000 has to be paid within 30 days.

Seba Salim, a native of Thrissur's Valappad, joined VLCC Institute, Kochi for weight loss and beautician courses in January 2021. She paid Rs 1,17,329 as fees. Rs 1,62,000 was also paid for joining another course in March.

Meanwhile, the student got infected with Covid and joined the online class. The institution was also closed due to Covid. The resumption of classes was delayed. The student, who decided not to continue the course after her health deteriorated due to Covid, demanded a refund.

The head of the institution informed that the fee will not be refunded and instead an opportunity will be given to a relative or friend to study. Then the student approached the District Consumer Commission.