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Journalism of Courage
The District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum on Thursday directed Silverline Industries, manufacturers of a solar water heater, to repair a heater. They will, otherwise, be liable to pay Rs 10,000 as compensation.
The complainant, Kailash Sharma, had placed an order for a heater with Silverline Industries in 2003. He paid Rs 5,000 through cheque and the balance amount of Rs 79,750 was made in 2005.
He also paid Rs 4,000 as labour charges to install it. He was told that the heater would be installed when the construction of his house was over. Due to unavoidable circumstances, his house was completed in 2005, after which the heater was installed in 2006. It was averred that he shifted in the house in March 2007 and the heater was then used for the first time. It was alleged that the system did not function properly from the day one.
He was asked to approach Tata BP Solar India in Delhi. Receiving no response from them, he moved the consumer forum. Tata BP Solar India said the warranty period of the heater had expired in 2006 and could not be extended.
The forum said that the two-year warranty period given by Silverline Industries had not expired when the intimation was given.
