In a significant development, the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission in Margao, Goa, has issued a bailable warrant against Bhavish Aggarwalthe chief executive officer of Ola Electric Mobility Ltd. The directive was issued after Aggarwal failed to appear in person before the Commission on February 4 at 10:30 a.m., despite being served a prior notice.
According to reports, the notice had been issued on January 28, 2026, seeking clarification in connection with a consumer complaint filed by a customer named Pritish Chandrakant Ghadi. Aggarwal’s absence on the scheduled date prompted the Commission to take a stricter stance, escalating the matter by issuing a warrant.
The move underscores the seriousness with which consumer courts are increasingly treating complaints involving high-profile corporate executives.
Credits: Indian Startup News
The Complaint That Sparked the Action
The case stems from a complaint lodged by Ghadi, who alleged that his electric bike—purchased from Ola Electric—was not returned after being sent to the company for repairs. According to the complainant, the vehicle is now reportedly missing.
Ghadi further stated that he had paid the full purchase price for the bike and had also raised the issue with the company directly. However, he claims he neither received his vehicle back nor a satisfactory response from Ola Electric regarding its whereabouts.
The situation escalated to the consumer court after attempts at resolution allegedly failed. The Commission had summoned Aggarwal to seek clarification, likely given the seriousness of the allegations and the leadership position he holds in the company.
Arrest Direction and Bail Terms
Following Aggarwal’s non-appearance, the Commission issued a bailable warrant under Section 73 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023—previously equivalent to Section 71 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC).
The order directs the concerned police station in Koramangala, Bengaluru, to arrest Bhavish Aggarwal and present him before the Commission on February 23 at 10:30 a.m.
However, the warrant is bailable. The order clarifies that Aggarwal may be released upon furnishing a bail bond of ₹1.47 lakh along with a surety of the same amount. The condition remains that he must appear before the Commission at the next scheduled hearing.
This provision ensures compliance while still allowing for legal recourse without immediate custodial detention.
A Corporate Image Under Scrutiny
Ola Electric has been one of India’s most prominent electric vehicle startups, aggressively expanding its footprint in the two-wheeler EV segment. With high-profile product launches and a strong marketing push, the company has positioned itself as a leader in India’s EV transition.
However, the company has also faced criticism in the past over service delays, software glitches, and customer service concerns. Incidents like this amplify scrutiny, particularly when complaints escalate to legal action involving top leadership.
While the issuance of a warrant does not establish guilt, it does reflect the Commission’s insistence on accountability and procedural compliance.
Consumer Courts and Executive Accountability
The case highlights an evolving trend in India’s consumer protection ecosystem: senior executives can be summoned and held accountable in cases involving alleged deficiency in service or unfair trade practices.
Under consumer protection laws, companies are expected to ensure timely redressal of grievances. When disputes remain unresolved, district consumer commissions have the authority to summon company representatives and, in cases of non-compliance, issue warrants to secure their presence.
The Margao Commission’s decision signals that even top corporate leaders are not beyond the purview of consumer justice mechanisms.
What Lies Ahead?
The next hearing, scheduled for February 23, will be crucial. It remains to be seen whether Aggarwal appears before the Commission and what explanation or defense Ola Electric may present.
For consumers, the case serves as a reminder of the legal avenues available when grievances go unaddressed. For corporate India, it reinforces the importance of robust after-sales service and prompt customer grievance redressal.
As India’s EV sector continues to grow rapidly, maintaining trust will be as important as scaling production. In this instance, the spotlight is firmly on Ola Electric—and how it responds may shape both the legal outcome and public perception.
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