Landmark Supreme Court Ruling: Service Fees of GSM Operators Deemed Unjust Enrichment

A striking decision has emerged from the Supreme Court regarding the "service fee" charged by GSM operators for online bill payments made by millions of citizens. This ruling, which has resonated throughout the country, characterizes the operators' practice as "unjust enrichment" and serves as a precedent for similar cases that conclude in favor of consumers.

Service fee deemed unlawful
According to reports, the Supreme Court's 3rd Legal Department made an important ruling concerning the fees collected by GSM operators under the guise of service fees during bill payments. This decision reveals that the practice of charging a service fee is unlawful, offering a solution to a significant issue affecting millions of consumers. Following this ruling, calls for legal regulations have been made to help the affected consumers defend their rights.

With this decision, it is expected that the grievances faced by consumers for years will come to an end, and since this ruling will also serve as a precedent for future lawsuits, steps are anticipated to be taken to eliminate the service fee practices of GSM operators.

CHP member Sarıbal: "Consumers will now breathe easier"
Orhan Sarıbal, a Bursa MP and member of the Party Council of CHP, made significant statements during a press conference held in the Turkish Grand National Assembly regarding the Supreme Court ruling. Sarıbal stated, "A practice that has caused consumer grievances for years has come to an end with a judicial decision," emphasizing the importance of the ruling for consumers.

Sarıbal pointed out that GSM operators have generated revenues of up to 200 million TL monthly from this practice. He mentioned that the service fee, which used to be 1.5 TL, has now increased to as much as 5 TL. He reacted by stating, "Despite this ruling, unjust enrichment from millions of subscribers cannot continue."

Call for legal regulation
Sarıbal called for legal regulations to end the service fee practice of GSM operators and to address the grievances. He emphasized the rule of law, stating, "Unlawful practices can no longer be accepted. The fees deducted from the affected citizens need to be refunded," stressing the necessity for the involved companies to account for their actions and return the unjust gains.

He also highlighted that citizens should not be left alone in their pursuit of rights. Sarıbal emphasized the need for quick enactment of legal regulations to resolve consumer grievances promptly.

"The voice of consumers must be stronger"
Sarıbal expressed gratitude to the Consumers' Protection Association for advocating consumer rights and noted that the Supreme Court decision provides significant relief for citizens, urging, "The voice of consumers must be stronger, and such grievances should not occur again." He called on citizens to assert their rights actively.

Sarıbal pointed out that this decision is a significant step in favor of consumers and invited all segments of society to be sensitive towards such unjust enrichment. He emphasized the importance of legislative changes for more effective resolution of consumer issues in the future.