12 years on , Tata Motors told to repair car or refund price

Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, September 23

Ending the 12-year car repair row between the manufacturing company and a consumer, the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC), Delhi, has directed M/s Tata Motors to repair vehicle of the consumer to complete satisfaction of experts. In case the vehicle is not repaired to complete satisfaction of experts, the complainant shall be entitled to refund of the entire amount, which he paid for the vehicle, within three months.

The unique order has been passed by the apex panel while disposing of an appeal filed by M/s Tata Motors challenging the order of the Chandigarh State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission directing the company to rectify defects to the satisfaction of the complainant. And in case, if they fail to satisfy the complainant, they are liable to refund the price of the vehicle to the complainant.

The company had failed to satisfy the consumer even after repairing the car 24 times while keeping it in the workshop for 103 days.

A Chandigarh resident Chetan Gill purchased a Tata Indigo Car from M/s Joshi Auto Zone, an authorised dealer of Tata Motors Ltd, for Rs 4,80,573 in 2008. The car started giving trouble right after it was purchased. Gill approached the Consumer Forum seeking refund and compensation.

The District Consumer Forum in its order dated January 17, 2011, directed the company to rectify defects in the vehicle by repairing/replacing parts as per the report of an engineering college. In case they are unable to do so, they may then refund the full value of the vehicle paid after deducting depreciation @ 10% per annum from the date of purchase.

Not satisfied with the order, the complainant moved the NCDRC against depreciation deduction. Tata Motors had challenged the decision before the NCDRC.