Maruti asked to ensure transparency in buyer-dealer ties
The Maruti Suzuki India Ltd has been asked by a consumer forum to issue directions to all its dealers to give details of the amounts charged under heads like 'other charges' to help bring transparency in their dealings with customers.
The District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum said such a step by Maruti would prevent the company's image from being tarnished and help to avoid unnecessary litigation.
"The CEO, Maruti Suzuki India Ltd is directed to issue directions to all its dealers to give details of the amount charged by them under the heads like 'Other Charges', to bring transparency in their dealings with the customers so that the company's image is not tarnished and to avoid unnecessary litigation," the bench presided by N.A. Zaidi said.
The forum gave the directions on a plea of North East Delhi resident Mohan Singh, who had alleged that the Maruti dealer from whom he brought a Maruti ECO car had charged him Rs 54,500 under the head of 'other charges'.
Singh said when he sought details about the same, he received no reply from the dealer. The dealer, T.R. Sawhney Motors Pvt Ltd, contended before the forum that the amount was charged for converting the car to a CNG-driven taxi and included that for fittings and paperworks.
The forum, though, accepted the contention, it pointed out that an adverse inference is drawn against the dealer for not providing the details sought by Singh.
"This shows the dealings of the respondent with its customers are not transparent and under the veil of such obscure heads it is fleecing the Maruti Suzuki customers of their hard earned money.''
"The respondent (dealer) is indulging in unfair trade practice and thereby besmirching the reputation of Maruti Suzuki India Ltd," the forum said.
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