On IAS Aspirant’s Complaint, MP Consumer Panel Orders Actor Shah Rukh Khan, Byju’s to Pay Compensation

The commission said the local manager of Byju’s and Bollywood actor Khan must pay the amount “jointly and severally” to complainant Dixit.

Indore: The District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission in Madhya Pradesh’s Indore has issued an order against a staffer of educational-technology firm Byju’s and film superstar Shah Rukh Khan for alleged “fraudulent behaviour” and “unfair trade practice” on the complaint of a woman who enrolled for coaching to become an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer.

In its order passed on Wednesday, the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission said Rs 1.08 lakh in fees deposited by complainant Priyanka Dixit at the time of admission in 2021 must be returned along with 12 per cent annual interest, while Rs 5,000 must be given to her as litigation cost and Rs 50,000 as compensation for financial and mental agony.

King Khan and Byju’s  Local Manager to Pay Amount ‘Jointly And Severally’

The commission said the local manager of Byju’s and Bollywood actor Khan must pay the amount “jointly and severally” to complainant Dixit. The term ‘jointly and severally’ refers to a partnership in which each party involved is equally liable with respect to a liability.

“Since the respondents (Byju’s manager and actor Shah Rukh Khan) remained absent even after notices were served in the case and no reply was submitted on their behalf, ex-parte action was taken against them,” the commission said in the order, news agency PTI reported.

“The woman complainant was encouraged to take admission in Byju’s coaching (course) by placing false and misleading online advertisements on behalf of the opposition parties. No coaching facility was provided after receiving the fee and despite assurance of refund of the amount, the fee was not refunded, which in itself is fraudulent behaviour and shows unfair trade practice,” the commission’s order stated.

What is the Matter All About?

The complainant had named the Bollywood actor as one of the respondents after claiming she had enrolled for the coaching course on January 13, 2021, in order to prepare for the Union Public Service Commission(UPSC)’s civil services exams after being influenced by the firm’s advertisement.

In her complaint, Dixit alleged the firm had assured her of coaching by good teachers and that her classes would start from January 14, 2021, which did not happen. She said in her complaint she had asked the firm to refund her fees and cancel her admission on January 27, 2021. Despite multiple requests, the firm did not refund her fees, Dixit’s complaint alleged.

According to the provisions of the Consumer Protection Act, a person can file a complaint against a company for errors in services as well as against those advertising it, Dixit’s lawyer Suresh Kanga told news agency PTI. “We filed a complaint against Byju’s and Khan under these provisions as Khan featured in the advertisement of the company, which prompted my client to take admission in the said coach course,” Kanga added.

Why is UPSC CSE Exam Condcuted?

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination (CSE) is regarded as one of the toughest exams not just in India but across the world. The Civil Services Exam is conducted by the Commission to recruit candidates for civil services administrative posts in Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), Indian Police Service (IPS), and other central allied services like IRS, etc.

(With Inputs From PTI)