Indore Car Dealer Penalized for Overcharging Customer

The District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, ordered Patel Motors to refund Rs 35,000 overcharged from Dr. Manoharlal Bhandari. The forum called it a ''deficiency in service and unfair trade practice.'' Compensation for mental harassment and case costs were also awarded.

In a significant ruling by the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, a local car dealer has been instructed to refund a substantial sum to an aggrieved customer. The consumer forum announced its decision after Patel Motors was found guilty of overcharging Dr. Manoharlal Bhandari by more than Rs 35,000.

The commission, led by President Vikas Rai and member Nidhi Barange, labeled the dealer's actions as a 'deficiency in service and unfair trade practice.' Apart from reimbursing the excess charge, the dealer was mandated to pay 6% interest per annum, Rs 5,000 for mental agony, and Rs 5,000 as litigation costs.

The complaint was initially filed when Patel Motors refused to honor a promised lucrative deal on a car purchase. Despite several attempts for a resolution, Dr. Bhandari sought the forum's intervention, resulting in this landmark order against unfair trade practices.