New Delhi, February 25: The Monopolies & Restrictive Trade Practices Commission (MRTPC) has directed Bajaj Auto to suspend the prize scheme `Uphaaron Ka Tyohaar' by February 28.The MRTPC has observed that the company floated the prize scheme to lure people to buy the product, as the buyer of the Bajaj scooter was entitled to a draw of lots. The scheme had prizes worth Rs 10 lakh, with a Maruti 800 as the first prize.
The scheme would operate for a limited period and only through select dealers in the capital. It is not being offered by dealers outside Delhi. In an ex-parte order on Tuesday, the MRTPC has said, "If the scheme is floated by the respondent (Bajaj Auto), the choice of consumers will stand deflected in as much as consumers may go for the scooters manufactured by the respondent in preference to other scooters of better quality, if any, manufactured by other manufacturers or scooters available at cheaper rates manufactured by other manufacturers." The order says the prize money may have comefrom selling the accessories (of the scooter) at a higher price at the time of delivery of scooters. "That will again deflect the choice of consumers and they may have to accept the accessories of the quality available from such dealers in preference to the better quality, if any, available with other dealers.
We are, therefore, prima facie, of the view that the balance is in favour of consumers in general," the Commission has observed. Bajaj Auto has been directed to file its reply by the next month.
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