**Chennai Consumer Court Orders Beauty Parlour to Pay Rs 5 Lakh Compensation for Makeup Artist’s Earlobe Loss**
A consumer court in Chennai has directed a beauty parlour to pay Rs 5 lakh in compensation to a professional makeup artist who lost both her earlobes following a so-called ‘herbal treatment’. The district consumer disputes redressal commission (Chennai North) found the parlour guilty of negligence and deficiency in service. Additionally, the court ordered the parlour to pay Rs 5,000 towards litigation expenses.
### Acidic Treatment Causes ‘Irreversible’ Damage
In March 2023, V Jayanthi, a makeup artist from Arumbakkam, visited Abbe Herbal Beauty Parlour, operated by Akilandeshwari, to reduce the size of her enlarged ear piercings. After being assured that the procedure was a simple herbal treatment, she paid Rs 2,000 for the service.
Shortly after a “herbal mix” was applied to her ears, Jayanthi felt a burning sensation but was told it was normal. During a follow-up visit, more of the mixture was applied, and her ears were wrapped in plaster.
Days later, she noticed a foul smell emitting from her ears. Within a month, her earlobes were severely damaged—torn and barely attached. Jayanthi told the commission that the disfigurement had deeply affected her confidence and work. She also shared that her young child had started avoiding her due to the altered appearance.
Medical examinations revealed that the substance used contained trichloroacetic acid, a corrosive chemical. In August 2023, surgeons at Apollo Hospitals in Vanagaram had to remove both her earlobes to prevent further infection. Doctors confirmed the mixture was not herbal, but highly acidic and harmful.
### Parlour Owner Held Responsible for Negligence
In its order dated September 24, the consumer commission noted that Akilandeshwari lacked medical authority to perform such procedures. The verdict was supported by findings from a police chargesheet filed under Section 338 of the Indian Penal Code, which deals with causing grievous hurt.
The commission concluded that the parlour’s negligence directly caused Jayanthi’s injuries. Initially, the parlour had promised to cover the cost of reconstructive surgery but later withdrew support. After sending a legal notice without receiving satisfactory response, Jayanthi approached the consumer forum for justice.
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This case serves as a warning against unregulated cosmetic procedures and highlights the importance of consumer rights in matters of health and personal care.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/chennai-makeup-artist-loses-earlobes-to-acidic-herbal-mix-court-orders-parlour-to-pay-5-lakh-compensation