Bengaluru court orders OnePlus to pay Rs 5,000 for not giving user manual to Nord CE 3 smartphone buyer

In a recent ruling, the Bengaluru I Additional District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission directed OnePlus India Technology to pay Rs 5,000 in compensation to a customer, along with Rs 1,000 for litigation costs. The court found the company negligent in failing to provide a user manual to a buyer who purchased a OnePlus Nord CE 3 smartphone, a TOI report stated.

The complaint: A missing manual and legal action

The issue began on December 6, 2023, when Sanjay Nagar resident S.M. Ramesh bought a OnePlus Nord CE 3 smartphone for Rs 24,598. Despite his repeated requests, OnePlus India did not provide the essential user manual, which typically contains important device settings, warranty details, and the company's contact information.

Ramesh filed a complaint with the consumer commission on June 3, 2024, alleging a deficiency in service. According to him, the absence of the manual caused him significant inconvenience, leaving him unable to fully understand or use his device's features.

Court's findings and judgment

The commission reviewed the complaint and observed that it is the manufacturer's responsibility to provide a user manual with its products. It ruled that the delay in providing the manual amounted to negligence. "Ramesh suffered mental agony due to the absence of the user manual, which made it difficult for him to use the phone properly," the court noted in its judgment.

Since OnePlus India did not appear during the proceedings, the court decided the case ex-parte. On November 29, 2024, it ordered the company to compensate Ramesh for his troubles.

Significance of the ruling

This case highlights the importance of consumer rights and the obligations of manufacturers to ensure proper product support. By holding OnePlus India accountable, the court underscored the role of consumer redressal mechanisms in addressing grievances effectively.

For consumers like Ramesh, the judgment offers some solace, reinforcing the principle that companies must prioritize service quality and customer satisfaction.