Panel orders Apple to pay ₹1.09 lakh to consumer
India's Malappuram District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission ordered Apple and its authorised service centre to compensate a consumer ₹1.09 lakh for defects in an iPhone 14 Plus purchased in September 2023. The ruling highlights unresolved warranty-period issues and costs including mental dist
Key takeaways
- A consumer dispute commission ruled in favor of the buyer, citing defects in an iPhone 14 Plus within the warranty period.
- The total compensation amounts to ₹1.09 lakh, including refunds, mental distress, and legal costs.
- Non-compliance triggers 9% annual interest on the awarded amount.
What Happened
The Malappuram District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission ruled that Apple and its authorised service centre must pay a total of ₹1.09 lakh to T. Faisal from Tirur. The dispute concerned repeated defects in an iPhone 14 Plus and charger purchased for ₹92,250 on September 13, 2023, for online classes. The commission found that defects such as excessive heating and a faulty camera persisted despite several visits to an authorised service centre during the warranty period. It determined there was a deficiency in service and an unfair trade practice, ordering a refund of ₹92,250 along with ₹10,000 for mental distress and ₹7,000 for legal costs. The payment is to be made within 45 days, with 9% annual interest accruing if not complied with.
Why It Matters
The decision formalises consumer protections around product defects within the warranty window and construes repeated unaddressed faults as a deficiency in service and unfair trade practice. It also specifies additional compensation beyond the purchase price, including mental distress and legal costs, and sets a concrete timeline and interest provision for non-compliance.
Background
The case centers on a consumer who bought an iPhone 14 Plus and charger for ₹92,250 in September 2023 for online classes. The phone allegedly developed defects shortly after purchase, with heating and camera issues persisting despite service visits. The commission reviewed documents and an expert report before issuing its order during the warranty period.
Key Facts
- Decision by Malappuram District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission
- Parties: Apple and its authorised service centre vs. T. Faisal
- Purchased on: 13 September 2023
- Purchase price: ₹92,250 for the iPhone 14 Plus and charger
- Defects: excessive heating and faulty camera
- Outcome: refund ₹92,250, ₹10,000 for mental distress, ₹7,000 for legal costs
- Total ordered payment: ₹1.09 lakh
- Payment deadline: 45 days from order
- Interest for non-compliance: 9% per year
- Context: defects continued despite multiple visits to an authorised service centre during warranty
What Happens Next
The order specifies a 45-day window for payment. If the respondent does not comply, the 9% annual interest would apply to the total awarded amount.
Sources reviewed
Project Chintan independently synthesized and analyzed information cross-checked across the sources listed above.
