Order Date: 28th February 2025
Order Name: Skoda Auto Volkswagen India Pvt. Ltd. vs Anuj Gupta and Anr.
Case No.: FIRST APPEAL NO. NC/FA/258/2022
The National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) in New Delhi, presided over by Mr. Subhash Chandra and AVM J. Rajendra, recently made an important judgment regarding claims of manufacturing defects in vehicles.
In this case, Mr. Anuj Gupta bought a Volkswagen Vento Highline car for Rs. 11,88,900 from M/s Swami Automobiles Pvt. Ltd. The car was frequently serviced at Volkswagen Chandigarh’s workshop, prompting Mr. Gupta to allege that the vehicle had manufacturing defects. Dissatisfied, he filed a complaint against Skoda Auto Volkswagen India Pvt. Ltd. (Skoda) and the dealership. The State Commission directed Skoda and the dealership to refund Rs. 8,91,675 and pay additional compensation. Skoda challenged this decision in the NCDRC.
Skoda argued that the car’s issues were due to normal wear and tear because it had been driven extensively. They claimed that all necessary repairs had been made under warranty and insisted that a manufacturing defect would have rendered the vehicle undrivable, which was not the case here.
The NCDRC observed that the car had been used for over three years, clocking 1,60,376 kilometers. They clarified that frequent repairs alone do not prove a manufacturing defect. Under warranty, only defective parts, not the whole vehicle, are eligible for replacement. The NCDRC emphasized the importance of proper testing to prove a manufacturing defect, which was not conducted in this case due to the vehicle being dismantled for two years.
Ultimately, the NCDRC concluded that Mr. Gupta did not provide sufficient evidence to assert that the car had a manufacturing defect. Consequently, they overturned the State Commission’s decision favoring Mr. Gupta.
The takeaway here is clear: if you suspect a manufacturing defect in your vehicle, it’s crucial to gather concrete evidence and follow proper testing procedures as outlined in the Consumer Protection Act. This ensures that your claim stands on solid ground in court.
