Noida Consumer Court Orders LG Electronics to Refund TV Cost with Interest
In a significant ruling for consumer rights, the district consumer disputes redressal commission in Noida has directed LG Electronics to refund the full cost of an LED television, amounting to Rs 1,42,000, to a local resident. The order comes after the TV's display stopped working within the warranty period, with the court also mandating 6% interest from the date the complaint was filed, to be paid within 30 days.
Compensation Awarded for Litigation and Mental Agony
The consumer panel further ordered LG Electronics to pay Rs 10,000 as compensation towards litigation expenses and the mental distress suffered by the complainant. This decision underscores the legal recourse available to consumers facing negligence from manufacturers.
Background of the Complaint
Dinesh Chandra Goyal, a resident of Sector 107 in Noida, filed the complaint on July 25 last year. He had purchased the LED TV from LG Electronics on March 24, 2019, with assurances of a one-year overall warranty and a three-year warranty specifically for the display.
Goyal reported that the display began malfunctioning within a few months of purchase, culminating in a complete failure. He provided evidence of lodging a complaint with the company's customer service on January 30, 2020, after which service agents offered only temporary fixes.
Repeated Issues and Lack of Permanent Solution
Throughout 2020, the TV experienced multiple breakdowns, leading to numerous complaints. Despite this, LG Electronics failed to provide a lasting repair. By September 2020, the device stopped working entirely, and service agents then demanded approximately Rs 80,000 for a display replacement.
Goyal argued that since the product was still under warranty, this demand for payment constituted clear negligence and a deficiency in service on the part of the company.
Legal Proceedings and Ex Parte Hearing
After sending an email to customer service requesting either a new TV or a refund of Rs 1,42,000, Goyal escalated the matter to the consumer court. Notices were issued to LG Electronics, but the company neither responded nor appeared in person. Consequently, the commission proceeded with an ex parte hearing on October 3, 2025.
Based on the affidavit and documents submitted by Goyal, the commission concluded that LG Electronics' refusal to offer free repair or replacement during the warranty period was indeed a service deficiency. The ruling emphasizes the obligation of consumer durables manufacturers to honor warranty terms.
This case highlights the importance of consumer vigilance and the effectiveness of legal avenues in addressing grievances against corporate entities.
