Raipur consumer court orders Maruti SUV replacement over E20

A consumer court in Raipur has ordered Maruti Suzuki India Ltd. and its authorized dealer to replace a customer's vehicle with a new model equipped with an E20-compatible engine, marking a significant ruling amid India's transition to ethanol-blended petrol. The Raipur District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission issued the order on July 14, 2026, directing the company to provide a new Maruti Grand Vitara hybrid SUV within 45 days or refund the full purchase price of approximately 2.05 million rupees.

The case was filed by Dr. Premraj Debta, a Raipur-based nephrologist, who purchased the vehicle on June 3, 2024. According to the complaint, the car began experiencing recurring engine problems in November 2024, after running about 21,913 kilometers. The authorized service center initially attributed the issues to adulterated fuel and performed multiple fuel tank drainings and cleanings, but the problems persisted. The commission noted that the vehicle was manufactured in January 2023 and sold to the consumer 17 months later.

In its ruling, the commission found the manufacturer and dealer guilty of "deficiency in service and unfair trade practice" for refusing to take back the...