Reliance Communications to refund Rs 5,680 for supplying defective handsets

The District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum has directed Reliance Communications to refund Rs 5,680,along with litigation costs of Rs 500,to an industrial firm who were supplied defective handsets. The complainant,Avon Industrial Corporation in Industrial Area,said five employees had applied for a corporate connection from Reliance and were given five cellphones at Rs 844 per set. Later,the sets were found to be defective with a constant humming noise in the background and poor reception,alleged the firm. After Reliance turned a deaf ear to their complaints,the firm decided to terminate the contract,demanded a refund of Rs 4,220 deposited at the time of taking the connections along with Rs 1,460 collected from the complainant under “compelling circumstances”. But instead of a refund,the company received a letter asking for a payment of Rs 791 as dues. Then,the five employees moved the consumer forum. In its reply,Reliance Communications in Sector 9,denied giving any assurance of the quality of the handsets as it was not the manufacturer and was accountable only for defects in telecommunication services. The company added that the sets were supplied in sealed boxes and the liability of any defect in the handset is of the manufacturing company,TCL Communication Limited. Announcing the verdict,the forum said: “As the handsets were defective,the complainant could not enjoy the service and,therefore,the company is liable to refund the amount.”