HYDERABAD: The District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, Hyderabad II, has directed Samsung to pay a compensation of Rs 25,000 to a customer for selling an air conditioner that lacked the promised features.
According to the complainant, Stanam Sai Raghu Ram, during the time of buying the split-window AC, priced at Rs 44,490, he was informed that it comprised an inbuilt Wi-Fi facility as well as a warranty of five years. Through the Wi-Fi facility, modern-day ACs could be connected from the remote using mobile applications.
Ram alleged that he was assured by the company representatives that the model included the Wi-Fi feature at the time of buying the AC. However, to his dismay, the model he bought lacked the technology. The consumer also contended that he was misled by the salesperson that there was a five-year warranty on the AC.
He raised the issue with the company through several phone calls and multiple emails, but to no avail, claiming that Samsung closed the case abruptly without providing any proper resolution.
In its defense, Samsung argued that the product had not suffered from any manufacturing defects and dismissed the complaint. The Commission reminded it that the sole purpose of consumers buying the product was defeated in the absence of the promised features.
Citing the principle of Caveat Venidtor (“Let the seller beware”), it was noted that it was the responsibility of the manufacturer to compensate for any harm caused to a customer by a defective product manufactured or sold or for a deficiency of service.
The commission ordered Samsung to pay Rs 25,000 within 45 days from March 28.