Kerala HC Issues Notice on PIL Seeking Law to Regulate Vehicle Service Centres

Kerala: The Kerala High Court has issued notices to Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. and an authorised service centre in response to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking a dedicated law to regulate automobile sales and services.

The petition, filed by TGN Kumar, calls for the enactment of the “Kerala Motor Vehicles Sales and Services Regulation Act and Rules.” The legal move follows the petitioner’s personal experience with his newly purchased Mahindra Thar Roxx, which allegedly developed a persistent noise issue shortly after purchase.

The petitioner alleges that after entrusting the vehicle to the Valayat Mahindra Service Centre in Maradu, he encountered negligent service and a lack of technical competence. According to the plea, the service provided was far below expected standards, and the staff exhibited an unprofessional and indifferent attitude. Despite multiple follow-ups and outreach to senior management, the grievance allegedly remained unaddressed, prompting the petitioner to seek systemic legislative reform.

A Vacation Bench comprising Justice A. Badharudeen and Justice Muralee Krishna S. heard the matter on May 12. During the proceedings, the court questioned the basis of the PIL, asking why a new law was being sought based on a grievance involving a single company.

In response, counsel for the petitioner, Adv. Manoranjan V.R., argued that the issue is of public importance and that the existing Consumer Protection Act (CPA) is inadequate because it is “reactive” rather than “proactive.”

The petition further contends that the current regulatory vacuum allows the exploitation of vehicle owners and results in a gross deficiency in service. It argues that the failure of authorities to supervise authorised service centres is arbitrary and violative of consumers’ rights under Article 14 of the Constitution of India. The proposed legislation aims to mandate standardised protocols, accountability, and preventive monitoring of manufacturers and service providers.

The High Court has directed the government pleader to ascertain whether similar legislation exists in other Indian states. Notices were accepted on behalf of the State, the Transport Department, and the Regional Transport Officer.

The matter has been listed for further hearing on June 16, 2026.

Appearance:
For the petitioner: Adv. Manoranjan V.R.
For the respondents: Government Pleader (for the State of Kerala, Transport Department, and RTO).

Case Title: TGN Kumar v. State of Kerala and Ors. [WP(PIL) 100/2026]