Consumer Forum orders companies to refund handset cost

Consumer Forum orders companies to refund handset cost

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangalore, Apr 26: The Dakshina Kannada District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum has given justice to 3 people who were sold defective mobile phones. 

Harsha Raj of Ashoknagar purchased a Nokia mobile phone for Rs 16,509 at Mobile Planet in Kankanady. But the phone did not function properly. He got it repaired in August and September 2009, but to no avail. Mobile Planet refused to replace the handset. 

The Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum found that the mobile refused to function during the warranty period and declared that the product was neither standard nor could it be repaired. It ordered Mobile Planet to not only take back the defective handset, but also pay compensation of Rs 5000 and litigation cost of Rs 1000. 

It also ordered Universal Telecommunications India Pvt Ltd, M G Road, Ballalbagh as well as the new Samsung Customer Service, based in New Delhi, to pay M P Chandrahas of Kulai Rs 1,900 including compensation of Rs 3000 and litigation charges of Rs 1000.

Sowmya Bhat of Bantwal had purchased a Samsung mobile phone for Rs 3,450 from Pai International Electronics Ltd, Bunts Hostel Circle, which refused to function 2 months after purchase. The forum directed Samsung India Electronics Pvt. Ltd., based in Delhi, and the local dealer to pay Rs 3,450 plus Rs 3,000 as compensation and Rs 1000 as litigation charges. 

The companies are required to pay up before the end of this month. The forum holds that the dealer as well as the manufacture is liable for any defects found in the sold product.