Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi

Udupi, Sep 23: The Udupi District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission has directed Chetak Bajaj Auto Company to pay compensation to a consumer for supplying an electric scooter with an inherent manufacturing defect and for a deficiency in service.

The case was filed by Ritheesh S Suvarna of Manipura, Katapady, who had purchased a Chetak electric scooter. Soon after purchase, the vehicle developed technical issues with its battery. The scooter was serviced at the company’s authorised service centre, and the battery was replaced twice within the first three services.

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However, the battery developed a defect for the third time, causing considerable inconvenience and loss to the consumer.

Despite serving a legal notice to the company, no satisfactory response was received. Subsequently, Ritheesh S Suvarna approached the Udupi District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission seeking relief.

The commission examined the complaint, the objections filed by the company, and the vehicle’s service records. It observed that despite replacing the battery twice, the company had failed to rectify the recurring defect. The commission held that the repeated battery failure established an inherent manufacturing defect in the electric vehicle as well as a deficiency in service.

The commission, comprising president Sunil T Masareddy and member Sujatha B Koralli, ordered the company to refund the vehicle’s purchase price of Rs 1,21,750, along with 9% interest, and pay Rs 15,000 towards other expenses within 30 days of receiving the order.

The order was passed on August 5.

Advocates Vivekananda Mallya and Praveen Poojary represented the consumer.