Date:13/12/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/12/13/stories/2008121355070700.htm

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

Showroom asked to replace faulty washing machine

Staff Reporter

HYDERABAD: An electronic goods showroom has been ordered by a consumer court to replace a defective washing machine or pay back its value along with fine and court fee , after the showroom ignored the customer’s request for its replacement.

The showroom, Digital Shoppe at Habsiguda, had sold a washing machine costing Rs.12,600 to YSS Prasad of Warasiguda in March last. When the machine was not functioning properly, the service engineers felt it was irreparable and recommended for its replacement. However, the showroom did not replaced it. Aggrieved over the delay, Mr. Prasad moved the Rangareddy District Consumers Forum. The showroom representatives did not attend the forum meetings and ultimately an ex-parte order for refund of the cost with a compensation of Rs. 3,000 and Rs. 1,500 towards court costs was given.

This order was challenged in the State Commission by the showroom and the company with the claim they did not know that the service engineers had recommended for a replacement.

They claimed that they had attended the Hyderabad District Forum instead of the R.R. District Forum during the hearing by mistake.