Delhi court orders Voltas to pay Rs 10,000 for failing to repair AC even after extended warranty

The Delhi State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission has directed Voltas Ltd to pay Rs 10,000 to a consumer for failing to repair an air conditioner (AC) unit. The consumer had experienced mental and physical distress during the summer months due to the defective AC. The ruling comes after the consumer appealed a Rs 2,000 compensation awarded by a district forum earlier, seeking a higher amount for the inconvenience caused.

Background of the Case

The Commission, comprising its president Justice Sangita Dhingra Sehgal and member Pinki, heard the appeal and reviewed the evidence. The Commission found that Voltas Ltd was at fault for not servicing or repairing the AC unit during the extended warranty period. In its ruling, the Commission stated, "We have no hesitation in observing that the deficiency in service from the respondent (Voltas) is limited to the failure of servicing and repairing the AC during the extended warranty period."

Compensation and Reimbursement

The Commission modified the earlier judgment of January 9, 2020, passed by the district forum. The new order, dated November 6, directed Voltas Ltd to pay a compensation of Rs 10,000 to the consumer for the mental agony and physical distress caused during the hot weather. Additionally, Voltas was instructed to reimburse the consumer for the cost of repairs upon the submission and review of the original service receipts.

Consumer's Appeal and Voltas' Defense

In his appeal, the consumer challenged Voltas Ltd's defense, which blamed the malfunction of the AC on the coils being damaged by fumes from a nearby drain. The consumer countered that there was no drain near his house and attributed the AC's failure to "mishandling by unqualified technicians."

Voltas Ltd did not appear before the Commission nor submit any written defense in the case.