Overview
- The District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission in Raipur ordered on July 14 that Maruti Suzuki and its authorised dealer either replace Dr. Premraj Debta’s Grand Vitara with a new E20‑compatible vehicle or refund the purchase price.
- The commission found the vehicle was manufactured in January 2023, sold as new in June 2024, and developed repeated engine and hybrid faults after about 21,913 km despite fuel changes and tank cleaning.
- The order requires replacement within 45 days or a full refund of about Rs 20.5 lakh and also awards Rs 1 lakh for mental harassment, Rs 10,000 for costs, and 7% annual interest on delayed amounts.
- Maruti Suzuki has issued a formal statement saying it will appeal the commission’s decision, arguing the Grand Vitara was E20 compatible and pointing to laboratory evidence of fuel contamination as the cause of the damage.
- The case is being watched nationally because it may set a legal precedent as India switches to E20 petrol and could prompt more consumer claims over vehicle compatibility and fuel quality.