Know Why Consumer Dispute Redressal Panel Asks OLA Electric To Refund Rs 50k To Customer

Rourkela: A district consumer disputes redressal commission directed OLA Electric to compensate a complainant of Sundargarh district for deficiency in service and causing mental agony. The commission asked the company to pay Rs 50,000 to the complainant, reported the Times of India.

In its order dated August 22, the commission had asked the company to refund the amount paid by the complainant for purchasing an e-scooter. Alternatively, the firm was also told that it could the two-wheeler with a defect-free new vehicle of the same model and take back the old one.

The company was also asked to pay another Rs 10,000 towards the legal costs within 30 days from the date of order passed. In case of failure to pay on time, the amount will be carry an interest of 9% per annum till its realization.

The complainant, Samir Kumar Naik of Rupidihi, had bought the vehicle on June 14, last year. He had also paid for the registration and insurance. The dealer had apparently claimed that there was three-years warranty on the vehicle’s battery.

But in November, 2023, a technician—who visited the complainant’s home—informed him that the battery had a problem and was dead. Naik, thereafter, reached out to the company, but claimed that his repeated requests yielded no results. In February this year, he lodged a complaint with the commission.

The commission observed that it was a manufacturing defect and thus didn’t penalise the insurer. The insurance policy didn’t cover manufacturing defect. The commission held the manufacturer responsible for the deficiency in service. Meanwhile, an OLA official said they would take necessary action after the legal team discusses the matter with the customer/complainant.