Raipur Commission Orders Maruti Suzuki to Replace E20-Damaged Car

The Raipur District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission ordered Maruti Suzuki India Limited and its dealer, Nexa Magneto, to replace a customer's Grand Vitara with a new E20-compatible vehicle within 45 days. The complainant, Dr. Premraj Debta, alleged that his vehicle suffered repeated engine failures, misfiring, and declining fuel efficiency after the introduction of E20 ethanol-blended fuel.

The Commission ruled that selling a non-E20-compatible car as new without disclosure constituted a deficiency in service and an unfair trade practice. If a replacement is not provided, the manufacturer must refund the full purchase price of Rs 20.50 lakh, plus Rs 1 lakh for mental harassment and Rs 10,000 for litigation expenses. The court noted that motorists cannot be expected to avoid E20 fuel given its prevalence at retail pumps.

This ruling occurs amid a national controversy over the Government of India's mandatory rollout of 20% ethanol-blended petrol. Arvind Kejriwal, National Convenor of the Aam Aadmi Party, urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to offer a choice between pure petrol and E20 for vehicles manufactured before 2023. The central government rejected this request on July 10, citing logistical challenges. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has defended the rollout, stating that E20 fuel does not damage engines and that there is misinformation regarding its impact.