The Dakshina Kannada District Consumer Dispute Redressal Forum, headed by Asha K. Shetty, has asked the manufacturer to replace a defective refrigerator to a consumer and suitably extended the warrantee or for refunding the entire cost of the unit with interest. It has also awarded a compensation of Rs. 4,000 and litigation cost of Rs. 1,000.
Ashith T. Shetty of Navagiri Nagar, Hosabettu, had purchased a refrigerator from Pai International at Bunts Hostel on January 14, 2009 for Rs.13,890, with a five-year warranty on the compressor and one year warranty on other parts. Mr. Shetty alleged that in July 2009, the refrigerator stopped functioning and was taken for repair and delivered on September 19. About 30 days later, the problem recurred. The problem persisted even after getting repaired twice, subsequently.
Mr. Shetty sought a direction for its replacement and claimed Rs.25,000 as compensation.
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The opposite parties maintained that there was a small gas leakage and that affected the cooling capacity of the refrigerator. Its cabinet was replaced and the defect rectified. They contended that the refrigerator had no manufacturing defect.