Goa Consumer Commission Orders Tata Motors to Refund Rs 15 Lakh for Defective Safari
The District Consumer Redressal Commission in North Goa has issued a strong directive against Tata Motors. The commission ordered Tata Motors, its dealer Durga Motors, and Tata Motors Passenger Vehicle Ltd to jointly refund Rs 15 lakh to a resident of Santa Cruz. This decision came after the commission found significant defects in the vehicle sold to the consumer.
Consumer's Complaint Details
Oswald Fernandes, a resident of Santa Cruz, filed the complaint with the commission. He purchased a seven-seater Tata Safari on September 10, 2023. The total cost of the vehicle was Rs 24,40,666. Fernandes had secured a vehicle loan of Rs 23 lakh three months before making the purchase.
The vehicle initially performed well for about four months. Then, one morning, it suddenly stopped working while Fernandes was driving his children to school. After necessary repairs, the vehicle broke down again within just six days. This repeated failure caused considerable distress to the family.
Allegations and Company's Defense
Fernandes alleged that the Tata Safari suffered from major manufacturing defects. He stated the vehicle was unsafe to drive and caused him mental agony and embarrassment. Legal notices sent to Tata Motors and the dealer went unanswered, which forced Fernandes to approach the consumer commission.
Tata Motors Passenger Vehicle Ltd denied the allegations of manufacturing defects. The company argued that Fernandes did not produce any expert report to support his claim. Tata Motors relied on judgments from the National Commission and the Supreme Court. These judgments state that a complainant must prove manufacturing defects to claim relief.
Commission's Observations and Ruling
The commission, presided over by Bela Naik, carefully examined the case. It observed that the vehicle indeed suffered from defects that made the buyer feel it was risky to drive. This was despite Fernandes paying a substantial amount for the vehicle.
Holding the manufacturer liable, the commission directed the opposite parties to refund Rs 15 lakh to the complainant. The ruling emphasizes the importance of consumer rights and product reliability in the automotive sector.
This case highlights the challenges consumers face when dealing with vehicle defects. It also underscores the role of consumer commissions in providing justice to aggrieved buyers.
