Shah Rukh Khan accused of ‘fraudulent behavior’

The District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission from Madhya Pradesh's Indore has issued an order against a staff of ed-tech firm Byju, and Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan for alleged "fraudulent behaviour" and "unfair trade practice", following the complaint of a woman who enrolled for coaching to become an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer.

The woman, named Priyanka Dixit, had claimed that she was influenced to enroll in the course after watching an advertisement by SRK on January 13, 2021.

The commission, in its order said that Rs 1.08 lakh in fees deposited by complainant Priyanka Dixit at the time of admission in 2021 must be returned, along with annual interest and litigation costs.

"Since the respondents (Byju's manager and actor Shah Rukh Khan) remained absent even after notices were served in the case and no reply was submitted on their behalf, unilateral action was taken against them," said the commission.

"The complainant was encouraged to take admission in Byju's coaching (course) by placing false and misleading online advertisements on behalf of the opposition parties. No coaching facility was provided after receiving the fee and despite assurance of refund of the amount, the fee was not refunded, which in itself is fraudulent behaviour and shows unfair trade practice," the order continued.

In her complaint, Dixit alleged the firm had assured her of coaching by good teachers and that her classes would start from that the classes would start from January 14, 2021, which did not happen.

Despite repeated requests, the firm allegedly took no initiative to refund her fees.

As per provisions of the Consumer Protection Act, a person can file a complaint against a company for errors in services as well as against those advertising it, Dixit's lawyer Suresh Kanga told PTI.