Monday 25 May 2026
The Court of First Instance in the Wilayat of Ibra, North Al Sharqiyah Governorate, issued two judicial rulings convicting a vehicle maintenance workshop and its representative after their violation of the Consumer Protection Law was established in a case related to failure to comply with replacing or refunding a product upon the consumer discovering a defect therein, in accordance with the requirements of the Consumer Protection Law and its Executive Regulation.
The facts of the first case date back to the Consumer Protection Department in North Al Sharqiyah Governorate receiving a complaint from a consumer against a vehicle maintenance workshop. The complainant stated that he had agreed with the workshop to repair the vehicle transmission (gearbox). After inspection, it was determined that the transmission required replacement, and it was agreed that the replacement and installation would be carried out for an amount of (OMR 300), with delivery of the vehicle on a specified date. However, the defect reappeared on the same day, and the consumer returned the vehicle to the workshop. It was then found that the transmission again required replacement, and it was replaced for an additional amount of (OMR 310). Two days later, the defect reappeared once more, and the consumer returned the vehicle to the workshop, where it was inspected and he was informed that no defect existed.
Accordingly, the consumer filed his complaint with the Department, which referred the case to the Public Prosecution. The Public Prosecution initiated the investigation and referred the matter to the competent court. The court considered that what had occurred constituted a clear breach of the supplier’s obligation to replace, refund, or repair the product upon discovery of a defect by the consumer. Consequently, the court convicted the defendants of the misdemeanor of failure to comply with the obligation to refund the product value, replace, or repair the defective product upon discovery of a defect by the consumer. The court further imposed a fine of One Hundred Omani Riyals (OMR 100) and ordered them, in their civil capacity, to pay compensation to the claimant in the amount of Six Hundred Fifteen Omani Riyals (OMR 615), in addition to the legal expenses.
The facts of the second case date back to the Consumer Protection Department in North Al Sharqiyah Governorate receiving a complaint from a consumer against a vehicle maintenance workshop. The complainant stated that he had agreed with the workshop to repair the engine head of the vehicle for an amount of (OMR 100), and paid (OMR 70) on the understanding that the vehicle would be delivered within two days. However, after the lapse of the agreed period, the vehicle was not delivered. Upon visiting the workshop, the consumer noticed that the engine had been completely dismantled without his knowledge, in addition to the removal of certain front parts. Furthermore, no invoice written in the Arabic language had been issued by the contracting party.
Upon contacting the workshop owner, the consumer was informed that the vehicle required spare parts valued at OMR 90, which the consumer transferred. Despite the passage of several months, the consumer neither received the vehicle nor was the engine returned. Accordingly, the consumer filed his complaint with the Department, which referred the matter to the Public Prosecution. The Public Prosecution initiated the investigation and referred the case to the competent court.
The court ruled to convict the defendants of the misdemeanor of failure to provide the agreed service in a proper manner and in accordance with its nature, as well as the misdemeanor of failure to provide the consumer with a document or invoice written in the Arabic language containing the essential details related to the service. The court imposed a fine of (OMR 100) for the first offense and (OMR 100) for the second offense, with the penalties merged and the harsher penalty enforced. The court also ordered them, jointly and severally, in their civil capacity, to return the claimant’s vehicle and to pay compensation in the amount of Seven Hundred Omani Riyals (OMR 700), in addition to the legal expenses.
The Consumer Protection Authority affirms the continuation of its efforts in enforcing market-regulating laws and protecting consumer rights, calling upon all establishments and companies to fully comply with the provisions of laws and regulations, and stressing that it will not hesitate to take legal action against violators.