RATHAM VEHICLE LEASE AGREEMENT
This Vehicle Lease Agreement (“Agreement”) is a legally binding document executed between:

Ratham Technologies LLP, a limited liability partnership incorporated under the Limited Liability Partnership Act, 2008, having its registered office at First Floor, Win Win Towers, Siddhi Vinayak Nagar, Madhapur, Hyderabad, Telangana 500081, India (hereinafter referred to as the “Lessor” or “Ratham”, which expression shall, unless repugnant to the context or meaning thereof, be deemed to mean and include its successors and permitted assigns);

AND

The individual (“Lessee”) who completes a Vehicle booking via the official Ratham mobile application or website (“Platform”), whose identity and address details, along with proof of a valid Indian driver’s license and other necessary KYC documentation, are submitted during the booking process.

This Agreement shall govern the terms and conditions under which the Lessee rents a self-drive vehicle (“Vehicle”) from Ratham for personal usage, in accordance with Indian law.

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 This Agreement outlines the terms under which Ratham, acting as Lessor, provides a self-drive motor vehicle to the Lessee for temporary personal use, including conditions related to operation, delivery, return, insurance, responsibility, and liabilities arising during the lease period.

1.2 Ratham’s self-drive rental services operate via its proprietary technology Platform and are designed to offer a contactless booking, doorstep delivery, and pickup model for verified users.

1.3 By completing a booking on the Ratham Platform, the Lessee consents to be bound by the terms of this Agreement, Ratham’s Privacy Policy, Fee Policy, and any applicable Addendum in force at the time of such booking.

1.4 The Lessee acknowledges that this Agreement is enforceable under the Indian Contract Act, 1872 and governed by all applicable Indian laws and traffic regulations.

2. DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION

2.1 In this Agreement, unless the context otherwise requires, the following terms shall have the meanings assigned below:

"Add-ons" shall mean any optional equipment or services selected by the Lessee at the time of booking, including but not limited to: cooking kits, roof racks, snow chains, camping gear, or extended insurance packages.
"Applicable Law" shall mean all statutes, laws, regulations, ordinances, rules, judgments, orders, decrees, directives, and governmental requirements of any statutory authority having jurisdiction over the subject matter of this Agreement, including amendments thereto.
"Booking" shall mean the confirmed reservation for a Vehicle made by the Lessee via Ratham’s Platform.
"Booking Period" shall mean the period commencing at the time of successful delivery of the Vehicle to the Lessee and concluding at the time of return pickup by Ratham or its authorized representative.
"Delivery Location" shall mean the address specified by the Lessee at the time of Booking for receipt of the Vehicle.
"Fuel Policy" shall refer to the clause governing the required level of fuel at the time of return, and any applicable charges for deviation from that level.
"Rental Fee" shall mean the amount payable by the Lessee for the Booking Period, as determined by the Vehicle category, duration, optional add-ons, and other applicable variables, including taxes.
"Telematics Device" shall mean any in-vehicle technology installed by Ratham, including but not limited to GPS trackers, speed monitors, ignition-lock modules, and real-time diagnostics units.
"Vehicle" shall mean the specific Ratham-owned self-drive car identified in the Booking, delivered to the Lessee for the Booking Period.

2.2 Unless the context otherwise requires:
a. Words importing the singular shall include the plural and vice versa.
b. References to statutes shall include all modifications, consolidations, and reenactments thereof.
c. Headings and sub-headings are for convenience only and shall not affect interpretation.

3. AGREEMENT TO LEASE

3.1 Ratham agrees to lease the Vehicle to the Lessee for the Booking Period, subject to the terms of this Agreement, and in exchange for timely payment of the Rental Fee and adherence to applicable usage policies.

3.2 The Lessee undertakes to use the Vehicle only for personal, lawful, and non-commercial purposes. Any use of the Vehicle for subleasing, commercial transport of passengers or goods, ride-hailing, racing, or political or unlawful activities is strictly prohibited.

3.3 The Lessee acknowledges that this is a lease agreement only and does not confer any ownership rights, lien, or interest in the Vehicle to the Lessee, except for the limited right of usage under this Agreement.

3.4 This Agreement becomes effective upon booking confirmation, and no physical signature shall be required to enforce its provisions. Acceptance is evidenced by affirmative action (i.e., clicking "Confirm Booking" or equivalent) on the Platform.

4. TERMS OF VEHICLE USAGE

4.1 The Lessee shall be the sole operator of the Vehicle during the Booking Period unless an additional driver is added and verified through the Platform in accordance with Ratham's verification protocols.

4.2 The Lessee agrees:

To comply with all traffic, safety, and motor vehicle laws
To operate the Vehicle in a responsible and non-negligent manner
Not to use the Vehicle under the influence of alcohol, controlled substances, or any medication impairing driving ability
Not to exceed posted speed limits or engage in aggressive driving behavior
Not to use the Vehicle for any racing, rallying, off-road activity, or towing
Not to disable, alter, or tamper with the Telematics Device or any onboard technology
Not to transport animals, hazardous materials, or contraband

4.3 Smoking is strictly prohibited inside the vehicle. Violations will incur cleaning penalties.

4.4 The Lessee shall ensure that the Vehicle is parked in secure and legal areas when not in use. The Lessee remains fully liable for damages resulting from parking violations, towing, or acts of vandalism during the Booking Period.

5. LEASE TERM

5.1 The Lease Term shall commence at the time of successful Vehicle delivery and end at the moment of return pickup as recorded via the Platform and/or Ratham's delivery personnel.

5.2 If the Lessee fails to return the Vehicle on or before the scheduled pickup time:

An overstay penalty shall be applied as per Ratham's Fee Policy
Ratham may initiate remote vehicle disabling and/or repossession procedures
In case of repeated non-compliance or bad faith conduct, Ratham may block future bookings and pursue legal remedies

5.3 Extension requests may be submitted through the Platform and are subject to approval and additional charges. Ratham reserves the right to deny extensions based on operational availability, conflicting bookings, or violation history.

5.4 Early returns do not entitle the Lessee to refunds unless expressly permitted under a specific refund policy announced on the Platform.

6. DELIVERY OF THE VEHICLE

6.1 The Vehicle will be delivered to the Delivery Location at the time window confirmed during the Booking. Delays due to traffic, weather, or force majeure events shall not constitute breach by Ratham.

6.2 The Lessee must present original documents (Indian driver's license, government-issued ID, and booking confirmation) at the time of delivery. Failure to do so will void the booking without refund.

6.3 Upon delivery, a Vehicle condition report (including photographs) will be prepared by Ratham's delivery executive. The Lessee shall verify and acknowledge the same before receiving the keys. Any disagreement must be raised immediately and documented at handover.

6.4 If the Lessee fails to take delivery within the designated delivery window:

The booking may be marked as a "no-show"
Ratham shall retain up to 100% of the Rental Fee as cancellation charge
Rescheduling may be offered at Ratham's discretion, subject to availability and operational feasibility

7. LEASE RENTAL AND PAYMENTS

7.1 The Lessee agrees to pay the Rental Fee in full at the time of booking confirmation via the Ratham Platform. This amount includes base rental, applicable taxes, insurance premium, and charges for any add-ons selected by the Lessee.

7.2 Additional charges shall be levied for:

Excess kilometres beyond the permissible daily or total limit
Late returns or failure to comply with scheduled pickup time
Fuel shortage at return (based on documented fuel level at delivery)
Vehicle soiling, damage to interiors, smoking, or violation of pet policy
Administrative costs associated with traffic violations or legal compliance

7.3 Ratham reserves the right to place a refundable security deposit on the Lessee's account. The exact amount is communicated on the Platform and may vary depending on vehicle type, city, and user history. Deductions may be made for:

Unpaid fines, damages, fuel refill, or repair costs
Theft or loss of accessories
Recovery costs in case of unauthorized location abandonment

7.4 The Lessee authorizes Ratham to debit additional amounts from the registered payment method for any post-return charges, with itemized invoices to be issued via email or app notification.

7.5 Ratham shall not be liable for any failed or reversed transactions due to issues with the Lessee's bank, payment gateway, or card provider.

8. THEFT, ACCIDENT, AND DAMAGES

8.1 In case of accident, damage, or theft, the Lessee must:

Immediately stop using the Vehicle and report the incident to Ratham's support helpline
File a First Information Report (FIR) with the nearest police station in case of third-party involvement, bodily injury, or vehicle theft
Provide all necessary documentation and cooperation for Ratham and the insurance provider to initiate claim procedures
Remain present at the location until formal police procedures or vehicle retrieval are completed, unless instructed otherwise by Ratham

8.2 If the vehicle is stolen and the Lessee fails to file an FIR within 24 hours of occurrence or provides inaccurate information, the Lessee will be held personally liable for the full cost of recovery or replacement.

8.3 Any incident caused by driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, racing, unauthorized use, or breach of this Agreement shall void insurance coverage, and the Lessee shall bear 100% of the resulting financial liability.

8.4 The Lessee is also liable for:

Damages due to negligent driving or unreported incidents
Cost of parts not covered under insurance (e.g., tires, rims, underbody)
Claims disallowed by the insurer due to procedural lapses by the Lessee

9. TRAFFIC VIOLATIONS AND LEGAL LIABILITY

9.1 All traffic challans, parking fines, toll violations, and legal penalties incurred during the Booking Period shall be the sole responsibility of the Lessee.

9.2 If any government authority impounds or tows the Vehicle, the Lessee must:

Notify Ratham immediately upon occurrence
Visit the location and cooperate with the authority to secure release
Bear all financial and procedural costs of retrieval

9.3 The Lessee agrees that Ratham may disclose the Lessee's identity, documents, and booking history to any law enforcement authority in compliance with statutory obligations or when demanded by official process.

10. INSURANCE

10.1 All Vehicles leased under this Agreement are covered by commercial comprehensive motor insurance with the following inclusions:

Third-party liability cover as per the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988
Own damage cover including fire, flood, and natural calamity
Theft and total loss
Personal accident cover for the registered driver

10.2 Insurance is subject to the terms of the insurer, including but not limited to:

Mandatory submission of claim documents within timelines
FIR copies, location evidence, and Telematics logs
Verification of driver eligibility and sobriety at the time of incident

10.3 The Lessee acknowledges that the following are excluded from insurance and will be charged to the Lessee:

Damage to tires, wheel caps, windshield, or underbody due to reckless driving
Interior damage, liquid spills, upholstery damage, and smoking burns
Damage arising out of unauthorized road usage, overloading, or neglect
Non-declaration of co-driver or third-party user

10.4 In case of minor damage not exceeding the insurer's deductible, Ratham may opt to recover repair charges directly from the Lessee without raising a claim.

11. MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR

11.1 The Lessee shall not perform or authorize any repair or service activity on the Vehicle unless expressly authorized in writing by Ratham.

11.2 In case of mechanical failure that renders the Vehicle inoperable, Ratham will coordinate on-ground support, either by:

Dispatching a replacement Vehicle (subject to availability); or
Arranging for pick-up and refunding the balance Booking Fee (if caused by mechanical fault not attributable to Lessee)

11.3 Ratham shall not be held liable for delays or disruptions caused by:

Tyre punctures, fuel exhaustion, or battery drainage
Negligent driving causing engine or clutch failure
Situations caused by external road or weather conditions

11.4 The Lessee shall ensure:

Reasonable care and inspection of dashboard alerts, unusual sounds, or leaks
Compliance with basic operational guidelines (e.g., refueling in time, avoiding clutch-riding, shutting off ignition during long stops)
Safe and lawful usage at all times

12. OBLIGATIONS OF THE LESSEE

12.1 The Lessee hereby agrees and undertakes:

To maintain lawful possession and custody of the Vehicle during the Booking Period
To operate the Vehicle with due skill, caution, and in accordance with traffic rules
Not to lend, sub-lease, assign, or otherwise transfer possession to any third party
Not to use the Vehicle for the transport of passengers for hire or reward
Not to leave the Vehicle unattended with keys inside or engine running

12.2 The Lessee agrees to bear full responsibility for any damage caused due to acts of omission, negligence, misconduct, or unauthorized activity, including:

Overloading of Vehicle beyond rated capacity
Driving in water-logged or flood-prone areas
Mounting curbs, rough terrain, or operating with low tire pressure

12.3 In case of extended trips, the Lessee must:

Monitor engine temperature and fluid levels
Avoid continuous operation exceeding 300 km/day without breaks
Use only the recommended grade of fuel and avoid adulterated or off-brand sources

13. TERMINATION OF LEASE

13.1 Ratham reserves the right to terminate this Agreement with immediate effect if:

The Lessee is found to have submitted fraudulent documentation or false identity
The Vehicle is involved in criminal activity or suspicious behavior
The Lessee defaults on payment obligations or extension procedures
GPS or Telematics data show tampering, prolonged overspeeding, or route violations

13.2 In such events, Ratham may disable the Vehicle remotely, initiate repossession, and block the user account permanently.

13.3 The Lessee shall not be entitled to any refund of fees or deposit in such cases and may face legal action for damages.

14. REPOSSESSION AND RETURN

14.1 The Vehicle shall be returned to Ratham at the scheduled Pickup Location and time agreed upon during the booking.

14.2 At the time of pickup, Ratham's delivery personnel will inspect the Vehicle for:

Exterior damage, dents, and scratches
Fuel level in comparison to delivery record
Cleanliness of cabin and storage areas
Presence of all accessories, documentation, and original keys

14.3 If the Vehicle is returned late, abandoned, or to the wrong location:

Penalties as per the Fee Policy shall be levied
Ratham reserves the right to initiate repossession and charge for all related costs (towing, fuel, manpower, etc.)
The Lessee will bear liability for any damage or loss incurred during the delay or unauthorized handover

14.4 If the Vehicle is involved in an unresolved incident (accident, violation, or seizure), Ratham may retain the security deposit until closure of the matter.

15. CONFIDENTIALITY

15.1 The Lessee acknowledges that during the course of engaging with Ratham, they may gain access to confidential and proprietary information including but not limited to:

Vehicle tracking and telematics data
Platform user interface, pricing structures, and business logic
Operational processes, service documentation, or internal SOPs
Customer support protocols and route algorithms

15.2 The Lessee agrees not to reproduce, disclose, reverse engineer, decompile, or otherwise misuse any such confidential information, and further undertakes to maintain the strictest secrecy even after the termination of the lease.

15.3 Any breach of this Clause shall constitute a material violation of the Agreement, and Ratham reserves the right to seek injunctive relief, damages, and pursue criminal prosecution wherever applicable under the Information Technology Act, 2000.

16. INDEMNITY

16.1 The Lessee agrees to fully indemnify and hold harmless Ratham Technologies LLP, its officers, directors, employees, vendors, fleet operators, and agents from and against any and all claims, liabilities, damages, losses, costs, and expenses, including legal fees arising out of or in connection with:

Any act or omission of the Lessee in breach of this Agreement
Misuse of the Vehicle or violation of Applicable Laws during the Booking Period
Third-party claims involving bodily injury, property damage, or loss of life
Deliberate misrepresentation, fraud, or false documentation submitted to Ratham
Any government penalties, seizures, or court proceedings arising out of the Lessee's actions

16.2 This indemnity obligation shall survive the expiry or early termination of this Agreement.

17. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

17.1 Force Majeure:
Ratham shall not be held liable for any failure or delay in performance arising from circumstances beyond its reasonable control, including natural disasters, strikes, lockdowns, civil disturbances, government actions, network or system failures, or acts of war.

17.2 Entire Agreement:
This Agreement, together with Ratham's Fee Policy, Privacy Policy, and any Booking-specific terms incorporated by reference on the Platform, constitutes the entire agreement between the parties and supersedes all prior negotiations or oral agreements.

17.3 Severability:
If any clause or part of this Agreement is deemed invalid or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remainder of the Agreement shall continue in full force and effect.

17.4 Waiver:
Failure by Ratham to enforce any part of this Agreement shall not constitute a waiver of future enforcement of the same or any other clause.

17.5 Assignment:
The Lessee shall not assign, sublet, or transfer their rights or obligations under this Agreement to any third party. Ratham reserves the right to assign or novate this Agreement to any of its affiliates or successors without notice.

18. VEHICLE CONDITION GUIDELINES

18.1 Ratham provides every Vehicle in clean, roadworthy, and inspected condition, along with:

Functional AC, infotainment system, horn, lights, wipers, and essential controls
Minimum half tank of fuel (unless otherwise specified)
Onboard tools, tire kit, first aid kit, and documents including Registration Certificate, Insurance copy, and PUC

18.2 Upon return, the Vehicle must:

Have the same or greater fuel level as at delivery
Be free of any trash, spillages, foul odor, or external dirt requiring deep cleaning
Not exhibit any dents, scratches, broken panels, or cracked glass beyond those noted at the time of delivery

18.3 Penalties apply for:

Fuel shortfall (as per actual litre rates + refueling surcharge)
Deep cleaning or fumigation if needed (e.g., due to vomiting, smoking, pets)
Missing tools, documents, or accessories
Unreported damage or concealment of incidents

18.4 Any disputes on vehicle condition must be raised in writing within 2 hours of return pickup, along with photographic evidence.

19. GOVERNING LAW AND DISPUTE RESOLUTION

19.1 This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Republic of India, without regard to conflict of laws principles.

19.2 Any dispute, controversy, or claim arising out of or relating to this Agreement, including interpretation, breach, or termination, shall be submitted to the exclusive jurisdiction of courts located in Hyderabad, Telangana.

19.3 Ratham retains the right to pursue recovery or injunction through arbitration, civil litigation, or summary proceedings as deemed appropriate under applicable law.

20. DIGITAL ACCEPTANCE AND FINAL DECLARATIONS

20.1 This Agreement is executed digitally via the Lessee's affirmative acceptance on the Platform. No handwritten signature is required.

20.2 By clicking "I Agree" or confirming a Vehicle Booking, the Lessee certifies that:

They have read, understood, and voluntarily accepted all terms herein
All information provided during booking is accurate, complete, and lawful
They hold a valid Indian driving license and are not disqualified from operating a motor vehicle
They will use the Vehicle solely for personal, lawful, and non-commercial purposes

20.3 The Lessee understands that any violation of this Agreement may lead to legal action, blacklisting, and permanent suspension of access to Ratham's services.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement is deemed accepted by the Lessee at the time of digital confirmation of any Booking on the Ratham Platform.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Ratham Technologies LLP
First Floor, Win Win Towers, Siddhi Vinayak Nagar,
Madhapur, Hyderabad, Telangana 500081
Email: support@ratham.in

Ratham Vehicle Lease Agreement