The Rajasthan High Court has stayed further investigation into an FIR registered at Mathuragate Police Station, Bharatpur, arising from a complaint regarding alleged defects in a Hyundai vehicle. The bench, led by Justice Sudesh Bansal, exercised its inherent powers under Section 528 of BNSS (erstwhile Section 482 CrPC) and ruled that the criminal complaint did not disclose any cognizable offence against the four petitioners, including Bollywood superstars Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone.
The criminal case originated from a consumer’s complaint alleging that the Hyundai Alcazar car purchased in June 2022 suffered multiple breakdowns over three years and 67,000 kilometers of use, causing severe hardship. The complainant claimed that despite repeated demands for replacement or refund from the dealership Malwa Auto Sales Pvt. Ltd. and Hyundai Motor India Ltd., no relief was provided, prompting the filing of a criminal complaint under Sections 406 and 120-B of the IPC.
The petitioners argued before the High Court that the allegations were baseless, arbitrary, and malicious, as neither the brand ambassadors nor the senior corporate officials were connected to the sale, repair, or grievance redressal mechanisms of the vehicle. The Court agreed, observing that the complaint lacked any material to implicate the petitioners and that vicarious liability does not apply under the criminal law framework.
To avoid further unnecessary litigation, the Court directed the grievance may be resolved through mediation, allowing any authorized officer from Hyundai Motor India Ltd. or Malwa Auto Sales Pvt. Ltd. to mediate with the complainant for a final resolution of the dispute. The High Court also directed the Judicial Magistrate concerned to submit the records relating to the complaint and the order that led to the registration of the FIR.
The case has been scheduled for further hearing on 25th September 2025. Meanwhile, investigation in the FIR remains stayed.
