Airbag failure: Supreme Court rejects Mercedes Benz defence that seat belt was sufficient protection

The Supreme Court of India upheld a ₹10 lakh fine against Mercedes Benz India for not deploying airbags during an accident, rejecting the company's defense that seat belts provided sufficient protection. The court emphasized that the non-deployment of airbags constituted a clear defect and was an unfair trade practice. Mercedes Benz was also fined for not disclosing airbag limitations in its manuals or brochures. This decision reinforces consumer rights and highlights the importance of transparent communication regarding vehicle safety features.