TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE
 

PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE (“TOS”) CAREFULLY BEFORE USING THE WEBSITE.
 

A. DEFINITIONS

• Client / You / User: Any natural person using the Services as defined below.

• Client Data: Information provided by You at the time of creating a Website user account, including compliance documents (e.g., scanned forms, statutory filings, reports, applications, notices).

• Privacy Policy: The privacy policy available at https://www.koott.in/privacy-policy.

• Website: www.koott.in, a proprietary service platform owned and operated by Koott.

• Koott / We / Us / Company: Koott Care Pvt. Ltd., registered at Office 101, Vp’s Building, Mukkam, Calicut, Kerala, India, 673602, including its authorized employees and affiliates.

• Services: Provision of psychological counselling services for challenges or issues Clients may face in their lives. Services exclude counselling for psychotic disorders or Clients with suicidal tendencies.

• Counsellors: Professionals registered on the Website who provide emotional wellness support.

B. INTERPRETATION

• This TOS, the Privacy Policy, Refund Policy, and any other Website policies together form the Agreement.

• Accessing Koott via mobile application is governed by this Agreement, plus any additional terms imposed by app stores.

• References to “Website” also include Koott’s mobile application.

• Services under this Agreement are offered within India unless specified otherwise.

1. THE WEBSITE

1.1 Users

• Registered Users: Those who register and create an account (with user ID and password) to access Services.

• Non-Registered Users: Those who access general information without registering.

1.2 Features

For Registered Users

• Obtain general information and guidance from Counsellors.

• View responses to questions asked by other Users.

• Schedule in-person appointments at Counsellors’ premises.

• Interact privately with Counsellors via chat or phone.

• Pay consultation fees (including Koott’s internet handling fee).

For Non-Registered Users

• Access Counsellor profiles (name, qualifications, fees, experience, memberships).

• View indicative Counsellor appointment availability.

For Counsellors

• Publish profiles visible to Users.

• Interact privately with Registered Users via Website features.

• Receive fees for offline sessions facilitated through Koott.

• Respond to general User questions.

• Contribute articles or materials on emotional wellness.

1.3 Content Types

• User Content: Questions, data, and interactions submitted by Users.

• Counsellor Content: Responses, articles, and educational materials from Counsellors.

• Koott Content: Proprietary content generated or procured by Koott.
   

2. USE OF THE SITE

2.1 Obligations of All Users

• Use only in compliance with Indian laws.

• Ensure all information provided is accurate, complete, and not misleading.

• Do not upload malware, spyware, viruses, or malicious software.

• No use of bots, scrapers, or automated tools without written consent.

• Do not copy, sell, sub-license, or commercially exploit Website materials without authorization.

• Koott reserves the right to restrict access to certain Website areas.

2.2 Registered Users

• Koott is not a psychiatric care provider and does not treat suicidal ideation or severe mental illness.

• Verify any information received from Counsellors independently.

• Appointment scheduling is facilitated but Koott does not endorse or guarantee any Counsellor.

• Consent must be obtained before posting User Content.

• Users are responsible for activities conducted on their account (including for family or friends).

• Fees for sessions are payable in advance to Koott (including handling charges).

2.3 Non-Registered Users

• May view Counsellor profiles and availability but Koott does not endorse any Counsellor.
   

3. ROLE OF KOOTT

• Koott acts as a technology intermediary under the Information Technology Act, 2000.

• Provides a platform for hosting User Content, Counsellor Content, scheduling, payments, and preliminary interactions.

• Not liable for:

  • Service outcomes between Counsellors and Users.

  • Business or consequential losses.

  • Events outside its reasonable control.

• Koott may monitor and remove inappropriate content but is not obligated to pre-screen.

• Illegal or fraudulent activity may be reported to authorities.
   

4. THIRD-PARTY LINKS

• Website may contain links to third-party websites.

• Koott does not endorse or control third-party sites.

• Users visit such sites at their own risk and are bound by third-party terms of use.
   

5. PROPRIETARY RIGHTS

• All Website software, design, and content belong to Koott or its licensors.

• “Koott” is a registered trademark.

• Users are granted a limited, non-commercial, personal use license.

• Unauthorized reproduction, sale, framing, or derivative works are prohibited.

• Users retain ownership of their content but grant Koott a worldwide, royalty-free license to use for promotional or educational purposes.
   

6. PERSONAL INFORMATION

• Koott may collect personal data during registration and use.

• Use of data is governed by the Privacy Policy.

• By registering, You consent to such use.
   

7. DISCLAIMERS

• Interactions with Counsellors are strictly between Users and Counsellors.

• Koott does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

• Counsellor information is self-reported and may change; Users should verify independently.

• No professional relationship exists between Koott and Users.

• The Website is provided “as is” and “as available.”

• Koott disclaims liability for:

  • Counsellor performance or qualifications.

  • Accuracy of information.

  • Technical disruptions, data loss, or delayed notifications.

  • Security breaches beyond its control.
     

8. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

• Koott’s liability is limited to the amount actually paid by the User for Services.

• No liability for indirect, special, incidental, or consequential damages.

9. REPRESENTATIONS & WARRANTIES

By using the Website, You warrant that:

• You are at least 18 years old.

• Registration details are accurate and updated.

• You will use the Website for personal, lawful purposes only.

• You will not:

  • Modify or delete Website legal notices.

  • Reverse engineer Website code.

  • Upload unlawful, obscene, defamatory, or harmful content.

  • Upload viruses or impersonate others.
     

10. INDEMNIFICATION

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Koott, its affiliates, employees, Counsellors, and service providers from any claims, damages, or losses arising from:

• Your use of the Website.

• Your breach of this Agreement.

• Your negligence or misconduct.

11. TERMINATION

• Koott may suspend or terminate accounts for breach, fraud, or misuse.

• Upon termination, all rights to access the Website cease immediately.

• Koott may delete related information without liability.

 

12. GOVERNING LAW & JURISDICTION

• This Agreement is governed by the laws of India.

• Exclusive jurisdiction lies with the courts in Kerala, India.

 

13. MODIFICATIONS

• Koott may amend this Agreement at any time without prior notice.

• Users will be notified via the Website or email. Continued use constitutes acceptance.
   

14. ARBITRATION

• Disputes will be resolved by binding arbitration under the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996.

• Arbitration shall be conducted in English, seated in Kerala.

• Koott will appoint a sole arbitrator.

• Interim relief may be sought from courts.
   

15. GENERAL PROVISIONS

• Severability: Invalid provisions will not affect the remainder.

• Notices: Communications to Koott must be in writing to:
  Koott Care Pvt. Ltd., Office 101, Vp’s Building, Mukkam, Calicut, Kerala, 673602.
  Communications to Users will be via their registered email.

• Waiver: Must be in writing; no implied waivers.

• Entire Agreement: This Agreement is the full understanding between parties.

• Force Majeure: Koott is not liable for delays beyond its control.

• Advertisement: Koott may place advertisements on the Website.

• Assignment: Users may not assign rights without Koott’s consent.

• Conflict of Terms: Order of precedence: Privacy Policy → TOS → Refund Policy → Other Policies.

• Complaints: Users may contact support at care@koott.in or call +91 95671 61611.
   

VIDEO CALL PROCESS

• If a video session is scheduled within 1 hour of the appointment, the Google Meet link will be sent at least 5 minutes prior to the appointment.