I recently left my Santro car at its authorized dealer in Lakshmipuram for its third free service. When I enquired about how much it would cost me, I found that I had to pay Rs. 185 for wheel alignment. I protested that this was the first time the wheels were being aligned and so it was part of the free service and I should not have to pay for it. The person in charge countered by saying that their manual includes this charge. When I objected vehemently that such unilateral conditions by the company constitute unfair trade practice, he relented and assured that the charges wouldbe omitted in the final bill. But the final bill included this amount and I was again assured that it would be adjusted at the time of the next service. As a result, right now I have been overcharged by Rs. 185.
This incident raises some important questions:
1. What is hte meaning of "Free Service"?
2. Should it not mean that only material (parts, oil, etc.) needed for the service are to be charged and the service itself is free?
3. Can the car company unilaterally include anti-consumer conditions in its manual?
4. Should such conditions not be disclosed to the public before they purchase the car?
5. To fight this injustice, is there an alternative to consumer courts?