IFB to pay Rs. 84k compensation over defunct washing machine
What's the story
A Bengaluru consumer court has ordered household appliance maker IFB Industries to pay Rs. 84,000 to a consumer in a case related to a defunct washing machine as the company didn't comply with its warranty norms. IFB was asked to pay a Rs. 29,000 refund, Rs. 50,000 compensation for causing mental distress to the customer, and Rs. 5,000 for litigation charges. Know more!
2014-15
Complainant bought washing machine in 2014
61-year-old Madan Raj of Bengaluru's Nagarathpet bought an IFB washing machine from a Jayanagar showroom for Rs. 29,000 on 1 May'14. In Nov'15, the machine stopped working after which Madan called IFB's customer care; he was told some parts need replacement. Despite the four-year warranty, IFB staffers asked him to go for an exchange offer and get a new machine at 50% discount.
Complaint
Court finds IFB was deficient in service
Madan went to a consumer court on 7 Jul'17, demanding compensation for his loss. The 3rd Additional Bangalore Urban District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum heard arguments from Madan and IFB. IFB argued the complaint was false; an IFB technician claimed the washing machine's top cover got rusted, which isn't covered under warranty. However, IFB's warranty-card stated all machine parts were covered under warranty.