The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has launched an investigation into over 10,000 complaints against Ola’s electric vehicles (EVs), a case that could potentially lead to a class action. CompanyValueChange%ChangeNidhi Khare, Secretary of the Department of Consumer Affairs, raised this issue as a critical concern for both consumers and regulators in the fast-growing electric mobility market during CNBC-TV18’s post-budget special, Budget 2025 – The Verdict, on Monday, February 3.Khare explained how the CCPA handles such cases, especially in the context of emerging sectors like electric mobility. “What the central Consumer Protection Authority does is basically looks into a lot of complaints which get registered on the National Consumer Helpline, 1915, and then decide whether it’s a fit case for class action, for violation of consumer rights, unfair trade practices, or a misleading advertisement,” she said.
The complaints mainly focus on product defects, service issues, and concerns regarding product liability. The CCPA’s process includes issuing notices and providing opportunities for hearings, ensuring transparency. Khare stressed the need for companies to improve their grievance redressal mechanisms and address deficiencies in products and services. “The whole objective is to make sure that the people who are behind it, they should step up their grievance redressal mechanism. They should also be able to, you know, especially if there are issues of product liability or deficiency in services, that also needs to be ramped up,” she explained.Khare also discussed the increasing demand for the harmonisation of standards in the electric mobility sector, particularly in light of the government’s budget initiatives. As the sector grows, consumer grievances have highlighted the need for robust regulatory frameworks and standards to ensure greater accountability.ALSO READ: No decision on AGR dues relief yet, but finance secretary hints at discussions
