Flipkart and OnePlus India have been asked to compensate Rs 61,000 to a Chandigarh resident to for service inadequacies and unfair trading practices by the Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission of Chandigarh.
Consumer Victory – Compensation Awarded for Faulty OnePlus Phone Purchase
Ashwani Chawla, the complainant, said that he purchased a brand-new OnePlus phone from Flipkart on July 17, 2023, but immediately after the usage he encountered issues such as camera malfunctions and rapid battery drainage.
He also said that after approaching the service centre on August 8, 2023, still he could not get satisfactory resolution, after which he approached Flipkart, OnePlus, and the online platform, all of which failed to address his concerns.
Post this, he decided to procure another phone from Flipkart.
Despite the notices that were sent out to OnePlus Technology India, there was no response by them, leading the complainant to proceed ex parte.
Commission Rules Against Flipkart and OnePlus, Orders Compensation
Flipkart said it since it is a mediator between OnePlus and customer, it is not responsible for product quality or service.
However, Chandgothia argued that both Flipkart and OnePlus had sold a defective product and failed to fulfill their obligations of replacement or refund, constituting unfair practices.
However, it was also observed by the commission that Flipkart had issued separate invoices for a single transaction, charging an additional handling fee beyond the offer price, which amounted to double billing and unfair practice. They also noted that the actions of both companies fell under “dark pattern” practices as per recently notified guidelines.
The commission awarded the case in favour of the complainant and directed compensation of Rs 10,000 for mental and physical distress, along with Rs 10,000 for litigation expenses. Also, it directed the refund of Rs 40,941, along with the handling fee, and instructed both parties to contribute Rs 10,000 each to the consumer legal aid account.
