Booking Scam

Premier Auto has almost inflicted scam-like conditions in returning the car booking amount to those who opt for cancellation.

PAL-Peugeot Ltd collected Rs 270 crore @ 25,000 towards booking of 1,08,000 cars which they returned to applicants after resorting to all sorts of delaying and unethical tactics . I booked a car for which I got the refund after I filed a complaint with Association of Indian Automotive Manufacturers, New Delhi. The cancellation warrant no 3,217 was dated April 19, 1997 but posted on June 12, 1996 which reached me only on June 19, 1996. In the process I was cheated of an interest of 9 per cent for two months against the prevailing 18 per cent then.

 

This was repeated in the case of Fiat Uno. I booked two cars for which I applied for cancellation (control no 1,17,309 and 310) vide registered letter dated December 13, 1996. They acknowledged the receipt of documents and cancellation under process vide their undated unsigned computer-generated letter on plain paper and amazingly dispatched by Talisman Consultants Pvt Ltd, Mumbai, on January 17,1997.

I have not heard anything till date in spite of half a dozen letters to them. Their attitude has to be compared with the rules they have framed for cancellation which state the refund with interest if applicable (no interest if cancellation is opted within 365 days otherwise 9 per cent for one year and 12 per cent for two years and above from the last day of the booking., that is, 15.2.96) will be made to the applicant within 60 days from the date of cancellation documents complete in all respects.

This shows that as per their own rules, 60 days are not yet over and that they will continue to enjoy interest on my money. There is no penalty clause for not refunding the amount within 60 days. This time too, efforts to get back the amount, courtesy Association of Indian Automotive Manufacturers, failed to elicit any response.

It is unfortunate that the car booking system has not yet been provided a statutory framework in spite of the whopping amount it attracts. Stiff penalty for delay in payments should be mandatory. Will the government wake up?