Archive · 22 Jul 2026
Kerala Man Wins Rs 61,000 Payout for Defective AC
A man in Kerala bought an air conditioner from Voltas Ltd in 2013.
The AC started having problems soon after he bought it.
He had to get it repaired many times, and they even replaced the compressor twice.
But the AC still didn't work properly.
The man complained to the consumer commission, saying that Voltas charged him for replacing the compressor, which was supposed to be covered by the warranty.
The commission agreed with him and ordered Voltas to give him back the money he paid for the AC, pay for the stabilizers he had to buy, and give him extra money for the trouble he went through.
The commission said that Voltas was responsible for the defective product and couldn't avoid its liability.
A Kerala consumer commission ruled in favor of Raveendran, ordering Voltas Ltd to refund the purchase price of a defective air conditioner.
The air conditioner developed defects shortly after purchase and continued to malfunction despite multiple repairs and compressor replacements during the warranty period.
The commission directed Voltas to reimburse Rs 11,200 spent on stabilizers and repair charges, and pay Rs 25,000 as compensation.
The commission held that the manufacturer could not charge a consumer for replacing a compressor covered under a five-year warranty.
The commission absolved the dealer of any liability, finding no evidence of independent negligence or deficiency in service on its part.
- Who
- Raveendran, a consumer in Kerala
- What
- A consumer commission ruled in favor of Raveendran, ordering Voltas Ltd to refund the purchase price of a defective air conditioner, reimburse warranty-related expenses, and pay compensation for mental agony and inconvenience.
- When
- The purchase was made in March 2013, and the ruling was issued on June 29, 2023.
- Where
- Kerala, India
- Why
- The air conditioner developed defects shortly after purchase and continued to malfunction despite multiple repairs and compressor replacements during the warranty period.
Consumer's Perspective
Manufacturer's Perspective
Liability for Defective Product
Consumer's Perspective
The consumer argues that the manufacturer is responsible for the defective air conditioner and should refund the purchase price, reimburse warranty-related expenses, and pay compensation for mental agony and inconvenience.
Manufacturer's Perspective
The manufacturer did not file a version or produce evidence explaining the repeated failures of the air conditioner, but typically would argue that the product was not defective or that the consumer did not follow proper maintenance procedures.
Warranty Coverage
Consumer's Perspective
The consumer claims that the manufacturer charged for replacing the compressor, which was covered under a five-year warranty, and that the product suffered from persistent defects.
Manufacturer's Perspective
The manufacturer would likely argue that the warranty did not cover certain repairs or that the consumer's use of the product voided the warranty.
- Consumer
- Raveendran
- Manufacturer
- Voltas Ltd
- Purchase Price
- Rs 25,499
- Total Amount Paid
- Rs 33,450
- Compensation Awarded
- Rs 61,000
- Warranty Period
- 5 years on compressor, 1 year on other parts
- Date of Purchase
- March 2013
- Date of Ruling
- June 29, 2023