In a significant court ruling that could potentially expose Indian automakers to heavy liability over the country’s highly debated ethanol-blended fuel policy, an Indian consumer court in Chhattisgarh has ordered Maruti Suzuki to provide a new car to a customer who alleged mandatory E20 fuel damaged his car. Upon hearing the doctor’s plea, the consumer court directed Maruti to either replace the customer’s Grand Vitara SUV with a brand-new unit or pay him Rs. 20 lakh in damages.
Maruti’s Response
In response, Maruti Suzuki denied the allegation and told the consumer forum that the defects resulted from the use of adulterated fuel. The judges, however, did not agree to this, according to a court order issued this week. This is not the end of this legal battle, as Maruti Suzuki still has the option to challenge the verdict before a higher court.
According to legal experts, this first-of-its-kind ruling could embolden other vehicle owners who believe the fuel has caused problems with their cars to seek compensation similarly.
The Aftermath
This could spark further debate on the government’s push for E20 fuel, especially since Maruti said earlier this month its checks on older cars manufactured before 2023 “have not found anything of concern”.
The E20 programme, aimed at reducing crude oil imports and lowering emissions, has become one of the administration’s biggest political challenges, with critics alleging the policy was rolled out too quickly and without offering motorists alternative fuel choices.