A consumer commission in Bengaluru has awarded compensation to a father after finding deficiency in service by edtech company BYJU’S, which allegedly failed to deliver promised study materials for his daughter’s NEET and JEE preparation.

The complaint was filed by Varun Kumar, a resident of Lottegollahalli, who had enrolled his daughter Bhargavi in an online coaching programme in 2023 after being approached by a company representative.

Books promised, but never delivered

According to the complaint, Kumar paid ₹15,000 upfront and availed a loan of ₹1.1 lakh to enrol his daughter in the programme.

As part of the package, the company had promised Class 11 and Class 12 textbooks, along with a uniform and school bag. While the Class 11 books were delivered, Kumar alleged that the Class 12 study materials and other items never arrived despite repeated follow-ups.

He claimed that company representatives repeatedly assured him that the books would be delivered, but the promises were never fulfilled.

Consumer commission finds service deficiency

After receiving no satisfactory response, Kumar approached the consumer commission in April 2024 alleging deficiency in service.

In its defence, the company maintained that the course had been activated, study materials had been provided and grievance redressal mechanisms were available. It also argued that the complaint lacked merit.

However, the commission observed that call recordings showed repeated assurances regarding the delivery of the Class 12 textbooks. It further noted that the company failed to provide evidence proving that the books had actually been supplied.

Daughter succeeds despite hurdles

During the proceedings, Kumar informed the commission that his daughter had successfully cleared both NEET and JEE examinations and is currently pursuing an MBBS degree.

While the commission found that there was no significant academic loss, it acknowledged the inconvenience, harassment and mental distress caused to the family.

A bench comprising Vijaykumar M Pawale and V Anuradha subsequently directed the company to pay ₹25,000 as compensation to Kumar.

The order highlights the responsibility of educational service providers to honour commitments made to students and parents