Udupi: The Udupi District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission has directed Chetak Bajaj Auto Company to refund the purchase price of an electric scooter and pay additional compensation after holding that the vehicle suffered from an inherent manufacturing defect and that there was a deficiency in service.
The order was passed on August 5 by the commission comprising president Sunil T Masareddy and member Sujatha B Koralli.
Battery failed repeatedly
The case was filed by Ritheesh S Suvarna of Manipura, Katapady, who had purchased a Chetak electric scooter for Rs 1,21,750.
According to the complaint, the vehicle developed technical problems related to its battery soon after the purchase. The scooter was taken to the company’s authorised service centre for repairs.
However, the problem continued despite repeated servicing. The battery was replaced twice during the first three services.
The battery subsequently developed a defect for the third time, causing inconvenience and financial loss to the consumer.
Consumer approached commission
After the recurring battery problem, Ritheesh served a legal notice on the company seeking relief. However, he did not receive a satisfactory response, following which he approached the Udupi District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission.
The commission examined the complaint, the objections submitted by the company and the vehicle’s service records.
The records showed that the battery had already been replaced twice, but the problem had recurred.
Commission finds deficiency in service
The commission observed that the repeated failure of the battery despite replacements indicated that the defect had not been effectively rectified.
Based on the material placed before it, the commission held that the repeated battery failures established an inherent manufacturing defect in the electric vehicle and amounted to deficiency in service.
The commission consequently directed the company to refund the vehicle’s purchase price of Rs 1,21,750 to the consumer.
The amount is to be paid along with 9% interest. The company was also directed to pay Rs 15,000 towards other expenses incurred by the consumer.
The directions are to be complied with within 30 days of receiving the order.
Consumer represented by advocates
Advocates Vivekananda Mallya and Praveen Poojary represented Ritheesh S Suvarna before the commission.
The order provides relief to the consumer after the electric scooter continued to experience battery-related problems despite repeated servicing and replacement of the battery.