A Himachal Pradesh Consumer Commission has ordered a pizza chain franchisor to pay Rs 3.37 lakh in refund and compensation to a franchisee. Franchise dream cut shortAccording to the complaint, Sudhir Kumar approached the opposite parties in August 2024 to acquire a pizza franchise as a means of self-employment. The proposed pizza outlet was to operate from Shop Number 17, New Kartar Market in Shahpur, Kangra. On September 11, 2024, the companies issued a ‘Letter of Intent’, following which he deposited Rs 3 lakh as booking money in three instalments. However, neither Neo Palates Private Limited nor the pizza franchise company appeared before the commission despite service, following which both were proceeded against ex parte.