In a significant consumer protection ruling, the Central District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission in Delhi has ordered smartphone maker Realme to pay ₹1.5 lakh compensation to a UPSC aspirant whose mobile phone exploded just a day before his preliminary examination. The incident not only caused physical injuries but also disrupted a year of preparation for one of India’s toughest competitive exams.
Phone Explosion Just Before UPSC Prelims
The case involves Koti Sai Pawan, a UPSC aspirant residing in Old Rajendra Nagar, Delhi, who had purchased a Realme XT smartphone in 2019 for around ₹18,000. On June 4, 2022, just a day before his UPSC Prelims scheduled for June 5, the device exploded at around 3:00 AM while he was revising late at night.
According to the complaint, the phone suddenly burst into flames with a loud explosion while placed near the student, causing severe injuries and panic at a crucial moment before the examination.
Serious Injuries and Academic Loss
The explosion caused injuries to the student’s forehead, hands, and fingers. He had to be immediately rushed to a hospital for treatment.
The incident also led to the loss of an entire academic year of preparation, as the student was unable to appear for the UPSC Preliminary Examination.
In his testimony before the court, the student stated that his family had invested significant financial resources in his coaching and preparation. He described the incident as a devastating setback that affected both his physical well-being and academic future.
Allegations of Negligence Against Company
During the proceedings, the complainant alleged that instead of assisting him, the company attempted to shift blame onto him.
It was alleged that the service centre tried to make him sign a bond holding him responsible for the explosion. When he refused, he was reportedly humiliated and his device was not returned.
The Consumer Commission took serious note of these allegations, terming the conduct as unfair and negligent.
Consumer Court’s Strong Observations
The bench, comprising President Divya Jyot Jaipuriyar and Member Dr. Rashmi Bansal, observed that battery explosions in electronic devices represent a serious safety hazard that can even lead to loss of life.
The Commission held that the company had failed to ensure product safety standards and found it guilty of deficiency in service.
Court’s Compensation Order
The Consumer Court directed Realme to compensate the student with a total of ₹1.5 lakh, including:
- ₹1,00,000 for physical and mental harassment
- ₹25,000 as damages
- ₹25,000 towards litigation costs
The court also ordered 6% annual interest from October 1, 2022, on the compensation amount.
It further stated that if the company fails to pay within 30 days, the interest rate will increase to 9% per annum, adding additional financial liability for delay.
Significance of the Ruling
The judgment reinforces strict consumer protection standards in cases involving electronic device safety. It also highlights corporate accountability in ensuring product quality, especially when defects can lead to injury and academic or professional disruption.
