Oximeter failed during Covid, retailer ordered to pay Rs 7,000

HYDERABAD: In a significant consumer protection case, the Hyderabad District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission-I has ruled in favour of complainant A Sanjeeva Reddy, a legal professional and resident of Tarnaka, against Hindustan Health Mart (HHM).

The commission found HHM liable for selling a defective pulse oximeter, which failed to function properly, causing trouble for the complainant during the Covid-19 pandemic. The commission ordered the retailer to pay compensation of 5,000 for mental agony and refund the oximeter cost. Reddy alleged that he purchased a pulse oximeter from HHM in Secunderabad for 1,600 on July 20, 2020, during the pandemic. However, upon testing the oximeter at home, he discovered it did not function properly. He immediately informed HHM about the matter but got an inadequate response.

HHM offered to replace the defective oximeter with a lower-priced alternative, but Reddy demanded a full refund. Despite his efforts, it only refunded a partial amount, citing taxes and GST payments already paid to government. HHM said they were merely retailers and not responsible for the functioning or warranty of the product.

The commission found HHM's response inadequate and ruled that the complainant was entitled to a refund of the remaining amount of 650, as well as compensation of 5,000 for the mental agony.

Additionally, HHM was told to pay 2,000 towards the complainant's costs. It was given 45 days to comply with the order, with an additional interest of 6% per annum on the refund amount in case of non-compliance.