The Commission bench, comprising president J.B. Garg and member P.Ojha, however, scrapped the Rs 5,000 interest amount and reduced the amount of costs to Rs 1,000 instead of Rs 2,000.

Earlier in his complaint, P.S Bedi stated that he purchased a Maruti car from the respondents on January 10, 1989 but the main oil seal of the car was found to be defective and the car started leaking soon after the purchase. The oil seal was consequently replaced about six times but the defect kept on recurring and finally on January 5, 1990, the respondents replaced the oil seal as well as the chamber.

Apart from bringing the affidavit supporting these allegations on record, the complainant also brought on record the admission of Pasco's service manager that "despite repeated replacements of the main oil seal, the leakage lingered on."

After considering the contentions, the Commission bench observed that while Rs 5,000 compensation was justified, interest of an equal sum was not justified. Costs were also reduced to Rs 1,000.

The commission bench also dismissed the cross appeal filed by P.S. Bedi in which he asked for replacement of the vehicle with a new one.

It was further stated that in case the said compensation is not paid within a month of announcement of the decision, the consumer would be entitled to interest at the rate of 18 per cent per annum.