Consumer court rules in favour of client, orders Maruti Suzuki to provide new car or compensation

A consumer court in Raipur ruled in favour of a vehicle owner in Indias first case pertaining to E20 petrol. The District Dispute Redressal commission has directed Maruti Suzuki to replace the vehicle or provide compensation of Rs 20.50 lakh if replacement not provided within 45 days. The total is said to cover the RTO charges and insurance premium.Interest will also apply if the amount is not paid within the stated time.

Additionally, the commission as of now has awarded Rs 1 lakh for mental harassment and Rs 10,000 towards litigation expenses.

The defence for manufacturer and dealer argued that the vehicle was compatible with E20 and the defects were purely due to routin wear and tear. Unconvinced by the proofs, the commission issued the order in favour of the car owner.

A resident of Raipur Dr Premraj Debta who owns a Grand Vitara Strong Hybrid Zeta+ approached the District court Frer his 2024 purchased SUV repeatedly started stalling after 5 months of purchase. In his complaint he alleged that Dr.Debta had taken the car to authorized service centres several times where the fuel tank check revelaed contamination which was later resolved. However, despite complete cleaning and decontamination the problem returned. He further alleged that the company while he purchaed the car did not inform him that the vehicle was not fully compatible with E20 petrol. Laboratory tests of fuel returned with presence the white curd like substances identified as ethanol.