Apple, Croma asked to pay over Rs 70,000 for defective iPhone 12

The complainant further stated that after a few days, he came to know that the handset in question could not be repaired as it is beyond the eligibility of repair because of unauthorised modification. Pundir, however, claimed he did not make any modifications, and the handset was within the warranty period. The complainant requested the Apple India and its dealer, Croma store, to repair the handset in question but they refused to repair the same.

In its reply, Apple India Private Limited stated the complainant himself admitted that he is aware of the fact that if a device is within the warranty period, it is supposed to be brought to the manufacturer to fix any issues in the device. Despite being aware of this, the complainant subjected his iPhone to unauthorised modification which invalidated the terms of warranty, the tech giant said. “Thus, Apple India is under no obligation to provide any repair services to the complainant,” it added.

The Infinite Retail Limited did not turn up to the summons issued by the commission, and hence vide order dated November 17, 2022 was proceeded against the ex parte.

The District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission of Chandigarh, after hearing the matter, opined that the handset deposited by the complainant with the Apple India and Croma for repairs did not have unauthorised modification when complainant submitted it for repairs. Thus, the respondent parties are deficient in rendering service by not repairing the handset in question or replacing the same with a new one or not refunding the invoice price thereof, the commission added.

It thus directed Apple India and Croma to refund the invoice price of Rs 66,199, along with a composite amount of Rs 7,000 to the complainant as compensation and towards litigation costs.