A consumer court in South Delhi recently ruled against Samsung Electronics for defects in a refrigerator purchased by a customer. The court mandated that the company refund the full purchase price of Rs 87,000 and additionally pay Rs 10,000 in compensation. The refrigerator, which malfunctioned five times within months of purchase, was found to have a manufacturing defect. The court stated that the customer’s complaint was made within the warranty period, and no expert opinion was necessary.

The District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission determined that the refrigerator was defective. Samsung Electronics was ordered to refund Rs 87,000 to the complainant within three months. Should the company fail to comply, the amount would accrue 6% annual interest. Additionally, Samsung must pay Rs 10,000 rupees in compensation for the complainant’s mental distress.

The court also directed the complainant to return the refrigerator to Samsung Electronics once the refund was received. This decision was made by Consumer Court President Monica A Shrivastava and member Kiran Kaushal in response to a complaint from Surendra Tomar, a resident of New Chauhan Pur in Delhi’s Karawal Nagar. Tomar purchased the refrigerator on January 26, 2020.

The complainant reported that within a few months of purchasing the refrigerator, it required repairs five times, with several parts being replaced. The company allegedly delayed addressing the issues until the warranty period expired. Samsung, on the other hand, contended that they resolved the complainant’s issues whenever contacted.