NEW DELHI: The Centre is set to drag Nestle India to the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) in the next few days, seeking damages for allegedly indulging in unfair trade practice and misleading advertisements related to Maggi , its banned instant noodle brand.

After discussing it for weeks, consumer affairs minister Ram Vilas Paswan on Monday cleared the proposal to move the consumer forum, though his ministry is still debating the quantum of damages that would be sought, sources said. A section within the consumer affairs department has estimated the damages at over Rs 400 crore but the exact amount will be known when the complaint is formally filed.

READ ALSO: On behalf of consumers, govt to sue Nestle for damages

The complaint against Maggi will be among the first of its kind with the government taking up the issue in the consumer forum on behalf of consumers. On June 7, TOI was the first to report about the proposed move of the government filing a petition on behalf of the consumers, which sources had described as a “class action suit” since a class of consumers bought the noodles.

READ ALSO: Food watchdog to vet Nestle plants

On June 6, the food safety regulator had asked Nestle to recall Maggi from shop shelves, citing lab tests in some states that showed high level of lead as well misleading labelling on the presence of MSG. The ban has been challenged by Nestle in court; many have described the ban as a step that could deter foreign investors.

But the government appears firm on seeking damages from the food giant, which reported its first loss in 30 years following the Maggi ban.

Sources said, the damage was calculated based on the latest figure of its annual sales of Maggi, estimated at around Rs 2,500 crore.

READ ALSO: Never said Maggi will return to retail shelves soon: Ram Vilas Paswan

Soon after the “failed” test reports of Maggi started pouring in from states, the consumer affairs ministry had written to the national consumer forum, asking it to take up the case. But the ministry was advised to file a formal complaint with necessary details so that it could go ahead.

The ministry has also received the go ahead from law ministry to file the compliant and a panel of lawyers to argue for the government has been identified.

READ ALSO: Maggi will be back on shelves as soon as possible: Nestle India chief

The complaint is being filed under Clause-12(d) of the Consumer Protection Act, which mentions that “the central government or the state government, as the case may be, either in individual capacity or as a representative of interest of the consumers in general,” can file such a case with the NCDRC.

20,000kg noodles found in UP

Officials on Monday raided a Nestle India godown following a Food Safety and Drug Administration tip-off and recovered nearly 20,000 kg Maggi noodles at Banthara near Lucknow. “(The noodles were found in) 3200 cases/boxes,” said food safety officer (Lucknow) JP Singh. tnn

