- (1.) THIS appeal, under Section 15 of the Consumer Protection Act, 1986 , is directed against the order dated 5.8.1999 in Complaint No. 148/1995 by District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum, Bilaspur (hereinafter called the District Forum for short) directing the appellant to replace the Double Deck Stereo Recorder or pay him Rs. 2,650/ - as its price with interest, as well as compensation of Rs. 1,000/ - and also cost of the complaint.
(2.) THE facts not in dispute are that the complainant/respondent No. 1 purchased a Phillips Double Deck Stereo Recorder Model DR 512 for Rs. 2,650/ - from respondent No. 2, who appears to be sub -dealer of respondent No. 3. The appellant is the manufacturer of the said stereo recorder. The grievance of the complainant was that the said stereo recorder had developed problems immediately after its purchase and despite efforts by O.P. Nos. 1 and 2/respondent Nos. 2 and 3 herein, the same could not be repaired. Therefore, after serving legal notice dated 26.4.1995, the complainant approached the District Forum and filed a complaint claiming refund of the price of stereo recorder with interest etc.
(3.) RESPONDENT Nos. 2 and 3 herein remained absent in District Forum. The complaint was however, resisted by the present appellant/O.P. No. 3. In its reply the appellant averred that the complaints regarding stereo recorder were deligently and professionally attended by O.P. Nos. 1 and 2 and the said stereo recorder was handed over to the complainant on his expressing full satisfaction. Thereafter no complaint was made by the complainant till 26.4.1995 that is till the expiry of the period of warranty of 6 months. It was averred that there was no manufacturing defect in the stereo during the warranty. District Forum in the impugned order held that stereo recorder developed defects after its purchase. The complaint was accordingly allowed and the O.Ps. were directed to replace the stereo recorder or in the alternative to pay him its price as also compensation and cost of the complaint.;