The Uttarakhand State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission has directed Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) India to refund over Rs. 1.65 crore to a Roorkee-based company after finding defects and unauthorised structural modifications in a Defender 110 X P400 SUV.
The case was filed by M/s Eapro Global Limited, which had purchased the luxury SUV in October 2022 for its director, Jagdeep Chauhan. The complainant alleged that the vehicle failed to deliver the performance promised by the manufacturer and also lacked certain advertised features.
According to the complaint, the Defender was marketed as capable of accelerating from 0-100 km/hr in 6.1 seconds. However, tests submitted before the commission reportedly showed the SUV taking more than 7.1 seconds to achieve the same speed. The complainant argued that the claimed performance figures played a major role in the purchase decision.
The company also raised concerns over the absence of a fuel filler flap central locking mechanism, which had allegedly been listed as part of the SUV’s standard equipment. It claimed the missing feature created a potential safety and security issue.
During proceedings, the commission also examined repair work carried out on the SUV by an authorised service centre. The order noted that the vehicle’s chassis had been cut, welded and riveted while addressing a screeching noise issue. The commission observed that these modifications were carried out without the owner’s approval and could affect the structural integrity and safety of the vehicle.
JLR India defended its position by stating that the advertised acceleration figures were achieved under controlled testing conditions. The company also attributed the missing fuel locking feature to a global semiconductor shortage affecting the automotive industry at the time.
However, the commission held that the buyer had not been informed about these limitations before the purchase. It further stated that manufacturers cannot avoid responsibility for inherent defects through dealership arrangements.
As part of its ruling, the commission directed JLR India to refund Rs. 1,65,61,234/- along with 7 percent annual interest from March 27, 2024. The automaker has also been asked to pay Rs. 50,000 towards litigation costs. The complainant has been instructed to return the vehicle to the manufacturer within 15 days.
The dealer involved in the sale, Shiva Motocorp, was not held liable, with the commission stating that the issues related to the manufacturing and repair process.
