Shivamogga, July 31 -- The Shivamogga District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission has directed HDB Financial Services to return a JCB machine to a borrower after holding that the finance company had illegally repossessed the vehicle without issuing prior notice, in violation of RBI guidelines and judicial directions.

According to the commission, complainant Manjappa K of Bennur village in Sorab taluk had availed a loan of Rs 31.67 lakh from HDB Financial Services to purchase the JCB. He was required to pay a monthly instalment of Rs 71,500 and had been making regular repayments.

However, due to heavy rains and repair work on the machine, he defaulted on three instalments. The finance company allegedly repossessed the JCB on August 6...