Delhi Consumer Commission Slaps Rs.10,000 Fine On Voltas For Service Deficiency

Delhi Consumer Commission

The Delhi State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission on Wednesday has directed Voltas Ltd. to pay Rs.10,000 to a consumer for failing to repair an air conditioner unit, which caused mental distress and physical discomfort during the summer months.

The consumer had appealed for an increase in the Rs.2,000 compensation awarded by a district forum, which had initially found the company at fault for not servicing or repairing a defective AC unit.

The Commission, consisting of President Justice Sangita Dhingra Sehgal and member Pinki, reviewed the evidence and concluded that Voltas was responsible for the deficiency in service due to its failure to repair the AC within the extended warranty period.

The Commission’s order, passed on November 6, modified the district forum’s judgment and increased the compensation to Rs.10,000 for the mental and physical distress caused by the malfunctioning AC during the hot weather. The Commission also ordered Voltas to reimburse the consumer for repair costs upon submission of original service receipts.

The consumer had challenged Voltas Ltd’s defense before the district forum, where the company claimed the AC’s malfunction was due to coils being damaged by fumes from a nearby drain.

The consumer, however, denied the presence of any such drain near his house, asserting that the AC unit, purchased in 2014, had become defective due to “mishandling by unqualified technicians.” Voltas Ltd did not appear before the Commission or submit any written statements.