Mobile phone bursts inside man’s pocket, consumer commission grants Rs 41,139

In Uttar Pradesh, a consumer commission ordered a mobile phone manufacturer and an electronics retailer to replace a defective phone or refund its cost after it allegedly burst inside a man's pocket in 2023, causing injury. The commission also directed the parties to pay Rs 36,139 for medical expenses and Rs 5,000 for litigation costs.

The man purchased the phone for Rs 29,500 in 2020, complaining that it started heating up. Despite his repeated complaints, the phone continued to heat up and eventually burst, injuring his thumb and damaging his marriage photos and videos. He was hospitalized, incurring Rs 36,139 in medical expenses, and had to arrange a new marriage celebration and photography.

His total claim was Rs 99.29 lakh, but he limited it to Rs 50 lakh, citing the commission's jurisdiction. The manufacturer failed to respond within the prescribed time, while the retailer did not contest the case. The commission concluded that the phone was defective and the service was deficient, ordering the replacement or refund of the phone and awarding compensation for the expenses incurred by the man.

Consumers can file grievances with the consumer helpline in their respective states or call the National Consumer Helpline at 1915 for assistance.