The Jalandhar District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission has held Flipkart, Apple India, and the seller jointly accountable, ordering them to pay Rs 84,000 to a customer who experienced significant battery drain issues with a newly purchased iPhone 14.
Customer's Grievance and Purchase Details
The consumer purchased the iPhone 14 during Flipkart's Big Billion Day sale on October 7, 2023, for Rs 54,499, with an additional Rs 6,300 adjusted via an exchange offer. Upon delivery, the customer noted the package lacked an original Apple seal and recorded the unboxing. Shortly after use, the iPhone's battery began draining abnormally. The buyer promptly contacted Flipkart for a replacement but was directed to an Apple-authorised service centre. Despite this, the issue remained unresolved, and no replacement was provided.
Legal Action and Commission's Verdict
After repeated failures to resolve the problem, the customer sent a legal notice and subsequently filed a complaint with the Jalandhar Commission. Apple India defended itself by stating that tests found no hardware defect and advised a software update, also pointing out that after-sales services were handled by authorised providers. However, the commission found Apple unable to provide sufficient evidence, such as a service inspection report or job sheet, to prove the iPhone was free from defects.
On June 11, 2026, the Jalandhar Consumer Commission ruled that Apple India, Flipkart, and the seller engaged in unfair trade practices. The commission emphasized that consumers buying branded products expect coordinated and effective redressal from all entities involved in marketing and servicing. It stated that internal arrangements between manufacturers, resellers, and service providers cannot undermine a legitimate consumer claim.
Compensation Awarded
The commission directed the three entities to jointly refund Rs 54,846 for the device, pay Rs 20,000 as compensation for mental harassment, and an additional Rs 10,000 towards litigation costs, totaling Rs 84,846 for the aggrieved iPhone 14 buyer.