A district consumer court in Madhya Pradesh has recently addressed a complaint filed by Priyanka Dikshit, an Indore resident, accusing Byju's manager and Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan of fraudulent behavior and unfair trade practices. Dikshit alleged that she paid ₹1.8 lakh in fees to enroll in Byju's coaching for IAS preparation in 2021 but did not receive any coaching facility as promised.
Taking action on the complaint, the district consumer court ordered both Byju's and Shah Rukh Khan to refund the fees and provide compensation. Dikshit claimed that despite being assured a refund, the fee was not returned. She further alleged that she was enticed to join the coaching course through false and misleading online advertisements made on behalf of Byju's competitors.
In her complaint, Dikshit specifically named Shah Rukh Khan as one of the accused, stating that she was influenced by an advertisement published on January 13, 2021, and subsequently enrolled in Byju's coaching program for the Union Public Service Commission's civic exams.
The Indore District Consumer Court ruled that Dikshit should receive a refund of the amount she had paid, along with 12% annual interest. Additionally, she was awarded ₹5,000 as litigation cost and ₹50,000 as compensation for the financial and mental agony she endured.
The court directed both the local manager of Byju's and actor Shah Rukh Khan to jointly or separately pay the refund amount to Priyanka Dikshit. The defendants failed to appear in court or submit a reply, leading to unilateral action against them.
According to Suresh Kanga, the lawyer representing Dikshit, the court has given a 30-day deadline for Byju's Indore-based manager and Shah Rukh Khan to comply with the order and refund the amount to Dikshit.
This notice from the consumer court has raised concerns about the alleged fraudulent behavior and unfair trade practices of Byju's and the involvement of Shah Rukh Khan as the company's ambassador.
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