MUSCAT – The court sentenced each of the three defendants to a fine of RO 500 and ordered them to bear the costs of the criminal case, while referring the civil claim to the competent court for consideration.
The case originated from a complaint lodged by a consumer with the Consumer Protection Authority (CPA), stating that he had contracted the establishment to repair his vehicle’s engine for RO 209, with a three-month warranty, of which RO 190 was paid in advance. Following the repair, a new malfunction emerged, and the establishment failed to honour the terms of the agreement, prompting the consumer to seek assistance from the CPA.

Due to the technical nature of the case, a certified expert from the Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs was assigned to assess the matter. The expert’s report revealed that the vehicle initially had only an engine defect, but the repair conducted by the establishment not only failed to resolve the issue but also caused a new malfunction in the transmission system. It was also found that the engine repair had not been executed properly.

Based on the findings of the investigation, the CPA referred the case to the Public Prosecution, which carried out further inquiries and subsequently referred the case to the competent court. During the trial, the owner of the establishment admitted to failing to fulfil the contractual obligations and not performing the required work as agreed.

The court found the establishment and its representatives guilty of the misdemeanour of failing to provide the service in a sound manner and in accordance with its nature, in violation of the Consumer Protection Law.

The Consumer Protection Authority reiterated its commitment to enforcing consumer rights and upholding market integrity. It urged all commercial establishments and service providers to strictly comply with the laws and regulations in force and affirmed that legal action would be taken against violators.