Muscat – The ruling comes after the establishment failed to properly service a consumer’s vehicle, leading to repeated malfunctions despite multiple repairs.

The case began when a consumer filed a complaint with the Consumer Protection Authority, alleging that the establishment had not fulfilled its maintenance obligations. The consumer had entrusted the establishment with servicing his vehicle, but the same issues persisted after each repair, causing significant inconvenience.

Following an investigation by the Authority, which included an expert technical assessment, it was determined that the establishment had not carried out the maintenance correctly. The expert report highlighted several issues, including a hidden electrical fault in the dashboard screen and other critical components.

As no amicable settlement was reached between the consumer and the establishment, the matter was referred to the Public Prosecution, which forwarded the case to the competent court. The court convicted the establishment of the misdemeanour of “failing to comply with repair, replacement, or refund obligations.”

As a result, the court imposed a fine of RO 2,000. However, the penalty was suspended on the condition that the vehicle be restored to its proper condition, free of defects, within one month. This includes addressing issues outlined in the expert’s report, such as the gearbox problem, with all costs to be borne by the establishment.