A consumer court in Delhi has issued a stern ruling against a car dealer who sold a second-hand Hyundai Creta with outstanding traffic challans worth ₹28,500 to a young woman, and then failed to clear them despite a written promise.
According to the court documents and statements by the complainant’s lawyer, Advocate Ocean Chaudhary, the woman, a resident of Dayalpur, had purchased the used vehicle from a dealership in Pitampura on May 27, 2022. During the transaction, it came to light that the car had 14 pending challans totaling ₹28,500. The dealer assured her in writing that the dues would be cleared within three days — a commitment made on stamped paper.
However, months passed and no payment was made. By September 2022, the dealer had stopped taking calls from the woman. In response, she issued a legal notice via WhatsApp on September 19 and through speed post on September 22. Despite this, the dealer remained unresponsive.
With no recourse left, the woman approached the consumer court in Nand Nagri. When the dealer failed to appear even during court proceedings, the court proceeded ex parte — a one-sided hearing — and ruled in favor of the complainant.
The court ordered the dealer to pay the ₹28,500 challan amount with 9% annual interest from the date of the transaction until full payment is made. Additionally, the court directed the dealer to pay ₹20,000 as compensation for mental harassment and litigation expenses — also to accrue 9% interest until paid.
Advocate Chaudhary presented evidence including the car delivery receipt, the dealer’s written undertaking, and a list of pending challans. “This is a case of clear deception. My client was misled, and the dealer failed to uphold a signed commitment,” said Chaudhary.
The woman had originally sought ₹2 lakh in damages, including interest and legal costs. Though the court awarded less than the demand, it underscored the importance of fair practice in used vehicle sales and consumer protection.
