THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Priya Vijay of Nedumangad had two helmets at home and had paid the entire amount of Rs 59,773 for a new scooter. On Monday, the showroom officials called her asking to pay Rs 1,500 extra as transport commissioner Tomin J. Thachankary, earlier this week, had ordered dealers to provide “free helmets” as per a Supreme Court directive.
Most showrooms charge up to Rs 4,000 on helmets and four other accessories such as handles for pillion riders and saree guards. Some dealers even issue additional receipts for “showroom handling”.
“I have helmets for myself and my wife, and I am being asked to pay money for another one. It’s great if the helmet is free as promised but that’s not the case,” said Ms Priya’s husband Vijay Nath. Mr Thachankary said he could take action if an additional receipt was provided.
“We will be helpless if this extra cost is embedded in a revised MRP (Maximum Retail Price). Showrooms change rates on the basis that taxes has been hiked from April. We will take action if buyers produce additional receipts along with a complaint,” Mr Thachankary said.
While transport commissioner, after a meeting with over 50 dealers, had said free helmets and accessories will be given, an original direction from the apex court merely says helmets should be sold along with new two wheelers.
