Mohan Kuthar

Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Apr 4: In a significant verdict, the Dakshina Kannada District Consumer Court has directed a laptop manufacturing company to refund the full purchase amount of a defective laptop, along with 6% interest within 45 days, to a customer, failing which civil and criminal proceedings may be initiated against the company.

Dr Arun Prasad from Mudaripane, Ullal taluk, had purchased a laptop worth Rs 1,09,990 from ASUS. The product came with a one-year warranty and an additional extended warranty worth Rs 3,498.

However, within just six months of purchase, the laptop began showing persistent technical issues, including a broken LCD monitor glass and other defects.

Despite repeatedly raising complaints through phone calls, emails, and tweets, the company neither repaired the product nor agreed to refund the amount. Adding to the grievance, the company even blocked the complainant’s Twitter account.

Aggrieved by the company’s inaction, Dr Arun Prasad approached the Dakshina Kannada District Consumer Court. After hearing arguments from both sides and reviewing the evidence, the court upheld the complainant’s claim, acknowledging that the laptop had manufacturing defects.

The court ordered the company to refund the full purchase amount of Rs 1,09,990 along with 6% interest within 45 days. Additionally, the company has been directed to pay Rs 30,000 as compensation for deficiency in service and mental distress, and Rs 10,000 towards legal expenses.

The court warned that failure to comply with the order could result in civil and criminal action against the company.

Advocate Aravind V from Apex Juris, Mangaluru, represented the complainant, while technical opinion was provided by Prashanth ST of Shanti Infotech, Sullia.