Expert opinion essential for replacing defective vehicle

Ravindra Annappa Bindre paid ₹1,54,762 on October 19, 2015, for a Royal Enfield Thunderbird 350cc motorcycle manufactured by Eicher Motors.

- JEHANGIR B GAI

Upon delivery, he noticed a sealant tape on the engine and was assured it was normal. However, oil began leaking during the ride home.

Bindre immediately returned the motorcycle to the dealer. He subsequently took it to the authorized service centre on several occasions, but the issue persisted.

Bindre filed a complaint before the Additional Thane Consumer Forum, alleging that the motorcycle suffered from a manufacturing defect and that there had been gross deficiency in service, rendering the vehicle unusable.

He sought a refund of the purchase amount or a replacement of the motorcycle, along with a refund of the Regional Transport Office (RTO) registration charges and insurance premium. He also claimed compensation for mental agony.

The dealer and the manufacturer contested the complaint and denied all allegations. They asserted that the subsequent leakage might have occurred due to Bindre's failure to follow operational instructions.