Hyderabad: Consumer panel fines Oppo, Bajaj Electronics ₹42,500 over cellphone fiasco
The Commission directed the companies to pay ₹27,500 with 12% interest, ₹10,000 as compensation, and ₹5,000 towards litigation costs to the complainant.
By - Sistla Dakshina Murthy
Representative Image
Hyderabad: Hyderabad District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission-III has directed Oppo and Bajaj Electronics to pay ₹42,500 to a customer for falsely marketing a handset as `waterproof’.
The Commission directed the companies to pay ₹27,500 with 12% interest, ₹10,000 as compensation, and ₹5,000 towards litigation costs to the complainant.
Customer misled by ‘waterproof’ claim
The complainant, V. Surender, a resident of Hanuman Tekdi, Abids, purchased an Oppo F27 Pro smartphone on October 5, 2024, from a Bajaj Electronics showroom in Nallakunta.
According to Surender, the sales representative assured him that the device was `waterproof’ and `water-resistant’. He also pointed out that the phone’s packaging prominently carried the label “Waterproof Champion,” reinforcing the claim.
Phone developed issues within two months
Within two months of purchase, the device began showing charging problems. By the last week of December, the phone’s display went completely blank.
When Surender approached the showroom for repairs, the device was retained by the retailer for nearly 90 days. It was later returned with the claim that the damage was due to “liquid exposure,” and the warranty was declared void.
Commission finds deficiency in service
Aggrieved by the response, Surender approached the Consumer Commission. After examining the case, the Commission observed that the defect arose within the warranty period and that retaining the phone for 90 days amounted to a clear deficiency in service.
The Commission held both the manufacturer and the dealer accountable for misleading the consumer and failing to provide proper after-sales support.
Compensation and penalty ordered
The Commission ordered Oppo and Bajaj Electronics to:
Refund ₹27,500 with 12% interest.
Pay ₹10,000 as compensation for mental agony.
Pay ₹5,000 towards litigation expenses.
The ruling underscores the responsibility of companies to ensure accurate product claims and fair service practices, especially in cases involving consumer trust and product warranties.
