Flipkart’s gross negligence proved costly! Beard Oil comes in place of iPhone, now customer will get lakhs of rupees

New Delhi: Complaints about receiving wrong goods during online shopping often come to the fore, but in the case of a customer from Mumbai, the consumer court has given such a decision, which is considered to be a big relief for other customers also. The customer had ordered Apple iPhone 14 Pro from Flipkart, but on opening the parcel, instead of the mobile phone, it contained beard growth oil. Now the court has ordered the company and the concerned seller to return the amount to the customer and give compensation.

Beard Growth Oil came in place of iPhone

The customer resident of Powai, Mumbai had purchased iPhone 14 Pro (128GB) from Flipkart in April 2023. For this he paid Rs 1,11,793. Next day when he received the parcel and opened the box, instead of an expensive smartphone, it contained Beard Growth Oil. However, the charger and mobile cover ordered in the same order turned out to be correct.

Didn’t get help even after complaint

The customer contacted Flipkart’s customer care several times and also submitted all the necessary documents. Despite this, neither he was given a new iPhone nor the money was returned. The customer alleged that his complaint was repeatedly closed without resolution.

Consumer Commission reprimanded

Mumbai District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission said that Flipkart cannot escape its responsibility merely by claiming to be an online platform. According to the Commission, the company did not properly investigate the customer’s complaint nor resolve the problem. This was considered a deficiency in service and unfair business practices.

The Commission also said that the concerned seller International Value Retail Pvt Ltd also failed to fulfill its responsibility, hence both the parties are jointly responsible.

What order did the court give?

The Consumer Commission has directed Flipkart and the seller to refund Rs 1,11,793 to the customer. Along with this, an order has also been given to pay 9 percent annual interest on this amount, Rs 50,000 as compensation for mental harassment and Rs 20,000 as litigation expenses. This entire amount will have to be paid within 45 days.

Apple India got relief

Apple India was also made a party in this case. The company told the court that it is only the manufacturer of the product and has no control over the packaging or delivery process. Accepting this argument, the Commission rejected the complaint against Apple India and considered that the dispute is only related to the delivery of the wrong product.