In a ruling that could expose automakers to greater liability over ethanol-blended fuel policy, a consumer court has ordered Maruti Suzuki to offer a new car to a customer who alleged that mandatory E20 fuel damaged his car.
The ruling is likely to be closely watched, with legal experts saying it may encourage other car owners who believe fuel has caused problems in their cars to seek compensation.
Maruti Suzuki said it would appeal the ruling.
Read also: “Name one car”: The big challenge facing Nitin Gadkari amid criticism over the introduction of E20 fuel
Hearing the plea of the doctor who alleged that the fuel caused damage to his car, the Chhattisgarh Consumer Court said Maruti should come up with a new alternative to its Grand Vitara SUV or… $20 thousand compensation.
Maruti denied the allegation and told a consumer forum that the defects were due to the use of adulterated fuel. The justices disagreed, according to a court order issued this week.
“The vehicle in this case was E20 compliant, and fully equipped to handle E20 fuel, as was disclosed in the owner’s manual,” Maruti said.
Also Read: Don’t want E20, go for pure petrol, says Gadkari: What drivers in India can actually buy at the pump
Harsh Gursahani, partner at Indian law firm PLR Chambers, said the ruling could prompt a number of other consumers to file cases, “which will pose a major headache for Maruti and other automakers.”
The ruling quickly sparked criticism online, with motorists questioning previous assurances from Maruti that E20 fuel is safe.
Also read: “Car manufacturers say there is no difficulty in using E20 fuel”: Hardeep Puri
“Everyone who has a problem… should approach consumer court to get justice,” X user Gaurav Pradhan said.
Maruti said earlier this month that its checks on older cars manufactured before 2023 “did not find anything of concern.”
