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Nakhal court jails expat business owner over failure to fulfil contract

Nakhal court jails expat business owner over failure to fulfil contract

Muscat Daily03-06-2025
Nakhal – The Primary Court in Nakhal has sentenced the owner of a commercial establishment to one year in prison and ordered his deportation after convicting him of failing to fulfil a furniture installation contract.
The case began when the Consumer Protection Department in Barka received a complaint from a customer who had contracted the establishment to customise and instal sofas for his home. The agreed cost was RO600, with a completion deadline of three months. However, the establishment failed to deliver the items within the stipulated period, despite repeated assurances.
With no resolution in sight, the consumer escalated the matter to authorities. After attempts to reach an amicable settlement failed, the case was referred to the Public Prosecution, which launched an investigation and forwarded it to the court.
During the trial, the court found the defendant guilty of a commercial misdemeanour and handed down a one-year jail sentence. It also ordered the deportation of the business owner following the completion of the prison term. Additionally, the court directed the defendant to pay RO500 in civil compensation to the complainant.
The Consumer Protection Authority has reiterated its commitment to safeguarding consumer rights and taking strict legal action against violators of the law.
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