Chandigarh, Apri 28: A Chandigarh consumer commission has ordered a refund and compensation for a car owner after his vehicle’s tyres developed cracks shortly after purchase. The ruling emphasized that companies must provide clear evidence when denying warranty claims based on alleged external damage.
J.M. Jain, the car owner, had approached the commission after a reputable tyre brand refused to honor a warranty for products that failed within 90 days. He stated that the wires of the tyres became visible and the tubes burst just weeks after the transaction. When the dealer and company declined his request for a replacement, Jain maintained that he was left with no choice but to seek legal intervention.
During the proceedings, the company asserted that technical experts found the damage was caused by poor wheel alignment. They argued that the complaint should be dismissed as the issues were not related to the manufacturing process. However, the commission stated that the report submitted by the company was inconclusive and lacked the necessary documentation to prove the consumer was at fault.
The commission affirmed that the vague nature of the company’s findings entitled the complainant to relief. It directed the company and the Sector 22-C dealer to pay a total of Rs 11,800, covering the refund of the tyres and a penalty for the mental distress caused to the resident. Officials noted that the decision serves as a reminder for manufacturers to maintain transparency in their warranty inspection protocols.
