Consumer court slams Ola Electric for charging during warranty period; orders Rs. 20,000 compensation for unfair billing practices. “Warranty isn’t just a word,” rules the Commission.
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BENGALURU: The Bangalore Urban District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, comprising Renukadevi Deshpande and Suma Anil Kumar, observed that charging the complainant for repair services during the subsistence of a valid warranty period amounts to an unfair trade practice.
The Commission took serious note of the fact that despite being served with a legal notice, Ola Electric neither responded nor appeared before the forum to contest the complaint.
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Based on the material available on record, the Commission held that Ola Electric failed to honour the terms of the warranty and indulged in practices that unjustly burdened the consumer.
Background
A Bengaluru-based consumer, who purchased an Ola S1X electric scooter in June 2024 with a three-year warranty, experienced multiple issues, including a bent rear wheel rim, air leakage from the tire, and malfunctioning front brake, within the first year.
The scooter was submitted for repairs on March 13, 2025, at an authorized service center. Despite being under warranty, the consumer was charged for the repairs.
A legal notice sent to Ola went unanswered, and the company did not appear before the Consumer Commission.
Based on the evidence, the Commission held that Ola failed to honor its warranty and engaged in unfair practices by making the consumer pay for repairs covered under warranty.
Consumer Court’s Judgment
The Commission directed Ola Electric to refund the amount of Rs. 1,635 collected for service during the warranty period, along with interest at the rate of 6% per annum, to be paid within 45 days. In the event of a delay, the interest rate would increase to 8% per annum.
Additionally, the Commission ordered to pay Rs. 20,000 as compensation for mental agony and Rs. 5,000 towards litigation expenses.
The forum further cautioned Ola Electric against similar lapses in the future and observed that repeated complaints against the company indicate a pattern of neglect in customer service and compliance with warranty obligations.
It was remarked that major corporations must not create circumstances where consumers are compelled to approach the judiciary for redressal of minor defects or small monetary grievances. The Commission emphasized that warranty commitments must be honoured both in letter and spirit, and the burden of compliance cannot be shifted to the consumer or unauthorized third parties.
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