Car showroom asked to compensate consumer

Car showroom asked to compensate consumer

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Jan 5, 2015: Dakshina Kannada District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum has asked a city-based car showroom to pay a compensation of Rs. 10,000 and litigation cost of Rs. 2,000, besides asking an insurance company to pay Rs. 89,925, to the owner of a car that met with an accident.

In a recent order, the forum president Asha Shetty said the insurance company should pay interest at the rate of 12 per cent on the amount till the date of payment from the date of accident.

Bhojaraj of Panja, Haleangady had lodged complaint against car dealer Kanchana Automobile Pvt. Ltd., Alape, Hyundai Motors and Reliance General Insurance.

Mr. Bhojaraja, a person with disability, had purchased a Hyundai i10 and on September 25, 2009, the car met with an accident.

Though the car dealer assured him that it would be repaired within 10 days, the complainant was made to pay visits to the dealer repeatedly and it was “not even touched for repairs”.

The dealer then promised a new car and kept on telling him that a new car is on its way till November 10, when he issued a legal notice.

The dealer on November 20 informed him that the car has been repaired and asked him to pay Rs. 89,925.

When his efforts to contact the car maker yielded no response, the complainant paid the money and took the car.

On their part, the respondents denied any deficiency.

Regarding the dealer’s contention that securing several parts and components from the manufacturer had taken time, the forum said that the dealer had placed nothing on record to show this.

“Since it is a brand new vehicle… definitely the parts and components are readily available with the manufacturer…” The forum added, “There is an inordinate delay of 45 days to repair the vehicle in question and the Opposite Party No.1 should have given priority to the complainant considering his physical condition”. It held that the dealer is solely responsible for the delay.

Since the vehicle was under insurance, the insurance company was directed to pay a sum of Rs.89,925 with interest the rate of 12 per cent per annum.

Courtesy: The Hindu