Failure To Provide Satisfactory After-Sales Services Or Provide Replacement, New Delhi District Commission Holds Apple India Liable

In a recent case, the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission-VI, New Delhi found Apple India Private Limited guilty of deficient service due to delays and inadequate repairs of an iPhone 6 under warranty. The complainant had purchased the phone from Spice Retail Limited and faced screen issues within 10 months. Despite initial repair attempts by an authorized service center, the device remained with them for an extended period without resolution, prompting the consumer to file a complaint. Apple argued adherence to warranty guidelines but failed to convince the commission. \r

The commission ruled in favor of the complainant, ordering Apple to refund the phone's purchase price minus depreciation, compensate ₹25,000 for mental anguish, and pay ₹5,000 towards litigation costs. This decision underscored the Consumer Protection Act's intent to shield consumers from substandard products and inadequate service, despite warranty clauses. The case highlights consumer rights regarding defective goods and services in India.