Ola Group and its CEO Bhavish Aggarwal face increasing challenges as the CCPA orders Ola Cabs to provide customers with the option of receiving refunds directly into their bank accounts instead of just offering coupons.
Ola Group and its CEO, Bhavish Aggarwal, are encountering escalating difficulties. Following its listing, Ola Electric's stock has been consistently declining. Furthermore, the company is grappling with over 10,000 complaints regarding poor servicing, which are currently under investigation by the central government, resulting in a formal notice being issued. This matter also triggered a heated exchange on social media between Bhavish Aggarwal and comedian Kunal Kamra.
Now, the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has directed the company to provide customers who file complaints against Ola Cabs with the option to have their money transferred directly into their bank accounts. Currently, the company only offers complainants a coupon that can only be used for subsequent rides.
Mandatory Bank Account Transfer Option
The CCPA stated that it has received 2,061 complaints related to this issue through the National Consumer Helpline. The regulatory authority has instructed Ola Cabs to offer consumers a choice between a bank account transfer and a coupon when processing refunds. The Ministry of Consumer Affairs had received information that Ola's app offered a 'no questions asked' refund policy but was only issuing coupons, a clear violation of consumer rights.
Right to Receive Bills
CCPA Chief Commissioner Nidhi Khare has ordered Ola to provide consumers with bills for all bookings. Currently, the company does not offer customers any such option, preventing them from accessing their bills even if they wish to. This practice is considered an unfair trade practice under the Consumer Protection Act.
As of October 9th of this year, the National Consumer Helpline has received numerous complaints against Ola Cabs, primarily concerning excessive charges and refund issues.
