A fresh legal development has brought Bhavish Aggarwal, founder and CEO of Ola Electric, into the spotlight after a District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission in South Goa issued a bailable arrest warrant against him. The order came after he reportedly failed to appear before the commission in connection with a consumer complaint despite receiving prior notice.
The complaint was filed by Pritesh Chandrakant Ghadi, who purchased an Ola S1 Pro (Second Generation) scooter in August 2023 for ₹1.47 lakh. According to the complaint, the scooter began producing unusual motor noises shortly after purchase, and its touchscreen display allegedly malfunctioned. The consumer stated that he handed over the vehicle to an authorised Ola Electric dealer in Vasco, Goa, for repairs. However, he claims that the scooter has not been returned and its whereabouts remain unclear even after considerable time.
The complainant further alleged that he paid additional service charges, yet the problems persisted. After multiple follow-ups and what he described as an unsatisfactory response from the company, he approached the consumer commission seeking redress.
During a hearing on January 20, the commission observed that since the location of the scooter was unknown, it was necessary for the CEO and founder of the company to appear personally and clarify the situation. Bhavish Aggarwal was directed to be present before the commission on February 4. When he reportedly did not appear, the panel issued a bailable warrant of ₹1,47,499, instructing the concerned police station in Bengaluru to secure his presence before the commission on February 23 at 10:30 am.
Because it is a bailable warrant, it does not automatically imply detention. If executed, Aggarwal can secure immediate release upon furnishing the bond amount along with a surety of the same value. Legal observers note that such warrants are typically procedural measures meant to ensure attendance rather than punitive actions.
The matter will now be heard on February 23. The commission is expected to examine the complaint in detail and seek clarification regarding the alleged missing scooter. Depending on the findings, it may issue directions related to compensation, refund, or other corrective measures.
While this case stems from an individual consumer grievance, it has attracted wider attention due to the involvement of the company’s founder. For a rapidly expanding electric vehicle manufacturer, service quality and after-sales support remain crucial to maintaining customer trust. The outcome of the upcoming hearing will likely determine how the dispute progresses and whether the issue is resolved swiftly.