LI Network
Published on: December 09, 2023 at 12:51 IST
In a recent ruling, the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission-I in Hyderabad (Telangana) has held Ola Electric Technologies Private Limited accountable for failing to deliver a scooter in the color specified by the customer.
The bench, comprising Mrs. B. Uma Venkata Subba Lakshmi (President), Mrs. C. Lakshmi Prasanna (Member), and Mr. B. Raja Reddy (Member), determined that Ola Electric Technologies Pvt. Ltd. twice delivered a scooter in the wrong color to the complainant, despite numerous attempts at resolution.
The complainant, Smt. Srikala Yenigalla, had booked an OLA S1 Scooter in the Marsh Mellow color, as advertised by Ola Electric Technologies Pvt. Ltd., and paid the full sale price of Rs. 1,03,000. However, she received a call notifying her that a black-colored vehicle was ready for delivery.
Despite the complainant’s objections and expression of her preference for the Marsh Mellow color, Ola’s representative insisted on delivering a yellow scooter. The complainant refused to accept the yellow scooter upon its arrival at her address.
Despite the initial refusal, Ola made subsequent attempts to deliver the vehicle. The complainant paid an insurance amount of Rs. 7,079, and Ola acknowledged an active Ticket ID related to the wrong color delivery issue, promising a resolution.
However, Ola issued an invoice for Rs. 1,63,549 after applying for a subsidy of Rs. 59,550, attempting to deliver a “Jet Black” scooter, which was not in line with the complainant’s color preference. Faced with no resolution, the complainant filed a consumer complaint with the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission-I, Hyderabad.
Ola contended that the issue arose from technical glitches, and they were willing to replace the correct color variant, update the Registration Certificate, and settle the matter amicably. However, the District Commission observed that Ola failed to provide supporting documents and responded to the legal notice without addressing the core issue.
Recognizing the paramount importance of timely and correct delivery, the District Commission held Ola liable for deficiency of service and unfair trade practices.
The commission ordered Ola to refund the entire amount of Rs. 1,03,000 paid by the complainant for the Marsh Mellow SI Electric Two-Wheeler Vehicle, along with 9% interest from January 26, 2022, until the date of realization.
Additionally, Ola was directed to pay Rs. 25,000 as compensation for the mental agony and suffering caused to the complainant, along with Rs. 10,000 for the litigation costs incurred. The case title is “Srikala Yenigalla vs OLA Electric Technologies Private Limited.”
