KOCHI: The district consumer court has directed Flipkart to pay Rs 36,096 as compensation and court costs for not replacing the faulty TV within the warranty period. The court rejected the company's contention that the original customer cannot be compensated for the product purchased through a friend's online account.

The action is based on a complaint filed by NV Dinil, a native of Alangad, against Flipkart Internet Pvt Ltd and Jeeves Consumer Services. In January 2019, the complainant purchased a 40-inch Full HD LED Smart TV through Flipkart for Rs.17,499. In addition to the one-year warranty, there was also a two-year extended warranty. Dinil approached the opposing parties in August 2021 when the TV stopped working.

Opposite parties informed that Rs.11,096 can be refunded as the warranty of the TV is valid and the TV cannot be repaired. However, they did not pay the amount as promised. Following this, the complainant approached the court demanding compensation.

The company was of the view that Dinil was not their customer as he did not buy the TV using his own address. The complainant stated that he made the purchase at someone else's address as Flipkart did not have shipping facilities to his address. Upholding this, the forum, which had DB Binu as chairperson and V Ramachandran and TN Srividya as members, stated that the original consumer has a right to compensation.

The verdict is to pay a total of Rs 36,096 to the complainant within 30 days, including Rs 11,096 as the price of the TV, Rs 20,000 as compensation and Rs 15,000 as court costs. Adv S Ajosh appeared for the complainant.