Thiruvananthapuram: Kozhikode Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum has directed a mobile phone manufacturer and its service centre to replace a faulty device. The complaint was filed by Sreejosh of Palazhi-Palam, Kozhikode. He said he had purchased a Sony Xperia Z2 Smartphone for Rs 45,000 on September 27, 2014. The phone had a warranty for one year. Its USB flap and lens were damaged in March 2015. The phone had fallen into the water tankin his house, while he was cleaning the tank.
The service centre — Madonna System — told him that it could not replace the phone under warranty as water has entered the device. But agreed to refund 50 per cent of device’s cost. Sreejosh approached the forum claiming that he purchased the phone believing an advertisement that it was waterproof and dust resistant. The phone manufacturer and service centre argued that precautions have been clearly laid down related to exposure to water.
One of the caveats was that none of the ports should be open when the mobile phone comes in contact with water. A thorough examination was needed to ascertain this. They also argued that the warranty does not cover improper and negligent handling. The customer should have insured the device against such risks, they argued. The Forum, however, ruled in favour of Sreejosh ordering that the phone should be replaced considering it as a manufacturing defect.
