Bengaluru Consumer Forum Orders Compensation for EV Buyer Over Document Delays
In a significant ruling, the Bengaluru Urban II additional district consumer disputes redressal commission has awarded Rs 85,000 in compensation to a resident of Chikkajala for severe delays and discrepancies in providing essential documents after the purchase of an electric scooter. The commission termed the lapse a clear deficiency in service, directing the involved parties to issue corrected papers promptly.
Dispute Over Electric Scooter Purchase
The case began in March 2023 when B Kanthesh, a 42-year-old resident, approached My EV Store in Prakash Nagar to buy a GEMOPAL Astrid Lite electric two-wheeler. According to his complaint, a sales representative assured him that the on-road price of Rs 1.5 lakh included all registration and other charges. The showroom also claimed tie-ups with finance companies, including Shriram Finance Ltd, for vehicle loans.
Relying on these assurances, Kanthesh paid Rs 50,000 as a down payment in multiple instalments between March 1 and 11. He subsequently signed loan documents as instructed and took delivery of the vehicle on March 13. However, at the time of delivery, he was not provided with critical documents such as the tax invoice, insurance policy, RTO registration certificate, loan papers, first-aid kit, and toolkit.
Repeated Follow-ups and Emerging Discrepancies
When Kanthesh sought clarification, showroom staff promised the documents would be handed over within a few days. Despite repeated follow-ups through WhatsApp messages and personal visits, the documents were not furnished. Frustrated, Kanthesh posted an online review highlighting the service deficiency, which prompted a response from the showroom.
He later received an insurance policy from Reliance General Insurance Company Ltd and a tax invoice. However, the invoice was issued by P Square Enterprises instead of My EV Store and reflected an amount of Rs 1,27,000—lower than the agreed-upon price. Further issues arose as the engine number in the insurance policy did not match the vehicle's actual engine number, and the RTO registration carried engine and chassis numbers corresponding to a different vehicle.
Legal Proceedings and Commission Ruling
Aggrieved by these inconsistencies and delays, Kanthesh filed a consumer complaint on December 6, 2023. During the proceedings, My EV Store managing director Puneeth Gowda and Shriram Finance Limited failed to appear before the commission despite being issued notices. After examining the records, the commission observed that the opposite parties' failure to contest the matter amounted to an admission of the allegations.
The commission held that the documentary evidence clearly established that correct vehicle documents were not provided within a reasonable time and that the registration certificate, insurance policy, and invoice were inconsistent or improperly issued. Concluding that the parties had resorted to unfair trade practices and deficiency in service, the consumer forum, in its February 2, 2026 order, directed them to issue corrected tax invoice, insurance policy, and RTO registration certificate reflecting accurate engine and chassis numbers, and to furnish the loan agreement and repayment schedule.
The commission further ordered My EV Store to pay Kanthesh Rs 50,000 as compensation and Rs 10,000 towards litigation costs, while Shriram Finance Limited was directed to pay Rs 25,000 to the complainant. This ruling underscores the importance of consumer rights in the growing electric vehicle market and serves as a warning to businesses about adhering to service standards.
