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A customer who bought a Maruti Invicto worth Rs 25.21 lakh found re-painting on the bonnet, doors and roof of the car after delivery. It is alleged that the dealer had done this work without giving any information. When the matter reached the consumer court, the expert report also confirmed the painting. Now the court has ordered the dealer to give a new car or repair it along with Rs 2 lakh as compensation and litigation expenses.
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A consumer court in Kerala’s Kannur district has issued a strict order to a Maruti Suzuki authorized dealer for repainting an expensive car without its knowledge before delivery. The buyer had taken the Maruti Invicto car for Rs 25.21 lakh, but after delivery, fresh paint was found on the bonnet, left door and upper part.
The same was confirmed in the expert investigation also. The dealer did not even appear in the court and answer. The court passed an order for compensation along with replacement or repair of the car. This decision protects the rights of buyers and emphasizes the accountability of dealers. The matter pertains to the purchase made in 2024, while the order has come in September 2026.
What allegations did the buyer make?
The buyer named Vijesh had booked a blue colored Maruti Suzuki Invicto Strong Hybrid Zeta+ seven seater car on 19 October 2024. Took delivery from dealer warehouse on 19th November 2024. Its price at that time was Rs 25,21,000. He inspected the car before delivery and was satisfied. But later fresh painting was seen on the upper part, bonnet and left door.
He alleged that this work was done without his knowledge or consent, which affected the quality of the original paint. He suspected that this was done to hide some loss earlier. He took the car back and demanded a refund, but the dealer refused. A legal notice was sent in January 2025, to which no response was received. After this a complaint was lodged in the Consumer Commission.
What came out in the expert report
Despite the notice, the dealer did not appear in the court and did not even give a written reply. The matter went one-sided. The expert commissioner appointed on the application of the buyer inspected the car. It is clearly written in the report that the upper part, left door and bonnet have been repainted.
Core quality lost due to painting and there is variation in color matching. The lining of the false ceiling was also found loose and some parts were bulging. The expert estimated the cost of repairing the roof at around Rs 50,000 and the cost of painting at more than Rs 1.5 lakh. The court considered this as deficiency in service and unfair trade practice.
final order of the court
Kannur District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission Chairman Ravi Susha and members Molikutty Mathew and Sajeesh K.P. The bench passed the order on 25 September 2026. The dealer will either have to take back the defective car and replace it with a new one or pay Rs 2 lakh for the repairs. Apart from this, compensation of Rs 1.5 lakh for mental anguish and litigation cost of Rs 10,000 will also have to be paid. The total relief comes to around Rs 3.6 lakh. It is necessary to comply within 30 days of receiving the order. 12 percent annual interest will also be charged on non-payment of Rs 2 lakh.
About the Author
Ram Mohan Mishra is an active journalist in the automotive world of digital media and has been working continuously in the field of auto journalism since 2021. Presently he is handling the auto desk of News18 Hindi as Senior Sub-Editor.
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