Not even 1% improvement after spending ₹5 lakh. No license, no ethics — just negligence.” Delhi consumer court slaps ₹6.3 lakh penalty on hair transplant clinic after 11-year battle.
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DELHI: In a landmark decision, the New Delhi District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission directed DHI Asian Roots, a hair transplant clinic, to pay ₹6.3 lakh as compensation to a client for negligence and operating without a valid government license.
The case, which spanned over 11 years, highlights serious concerns about unauthorized cosmetic medical practices and the importance of regulatory compliance in the healthcare sector.
Background of the Case
The complainant, Vivek Kumar, had approached the DHI Asian Roots clinic located in Safdarjung Enclave in 2012, just before his marriage, to address his baldness issues.
Kumar paid ₹5 lakh for the hair transplant procedure with the assurance that he would see visible results within 12 months. However, despite undergoing three sessions, he alleged there was “not even 1% improvement” in his hairline.
After years of dissatisfaction, Kumar filed a complaint with the Consumer Commission in December 2023. The Commission, in its order dated May 22, 2025, delivered after an 11-year legal tussle, ruled in Kumar’s favour.
What Does the Court Held?
The New Delhi District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission found the clinic guilty of negligence and deficiency in service, stating
“Despite charging a substantial amount, the clinic failed to provide proper treatment. They transplanted hair to cover bald areas but over-harvested the donor area, resulting in the creation of new bald spots.”
The panel further slammed the clinic for operating without a valid license or government authorization to perform modern scientific hair transplant procedures.
The order noted,
“The opposite parties failed to produce any documentation showing they had the requisite approval or medical qualifications to perform such treatments.”
It added that the procedures conducted amounted to unfair medical trade practices, carried out without the necessary legal clearances or specialized knowledge, motivated purely by commercial interest.
As a result, the Commission directed DHI Asian Roots, a unit of SPA Yoga Pvt. Ltd., to refund ₹5 lakh to Kumar, along with ₹1 lakh as compensation for mental harassment and ₹30,000 towards litigation expenses.
In its defense, DHI Asian Roots claimed that it had provided professional and medically sound treatment. The clinic alleged that Kumar had been informed of the limitations and risks associated with the procedure and accused him of being impatient and ignoring medical advice.
However, the Commission found these arguments unconvincing and held the clinic accountable for substandard service and violating medical norms.
This judgment reinforces the importance of medical establishments adhering to legal and ethical standards, especially when offering invasive cosmetic treatment.
The case exposes the rise of unregulated cosmetic clinics and stresses the need for stricter enforcement of medical standards. Vivek Kumar suffered harm after paying ₹5 lakh for a failed hair transplant at an unlicensed clinic.
The Consumer Commission’s ₹6.3 lakh compensation order sets a precedent, affirming that consumer laws apply to cosmetic and medical services alike. Consumers are urged to verify clinic credentials before undergoing such procedures.
Case Title: Vivek Kumar vs DHI Asian Roots
Case No: Case No. CC 1090/2013
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