Bengaluru Man Scores Landmark Win: Faded Jeans Earn Rs. 5,016 Payout

In a victory for consumer rights, a Bengaluru man recently received a Rs. 5,016 payout after his expensive Van Heusen jeans faded significantly after just five washes. This decision by the consumer court highlights the importance of product quality and transparency for manufacturers, setting a precedent for similar cases in the future.

The Case:

Hariharan Babu AK, a resident of Bengaluru, purchased a pair of Van Heusen jeans for a hefty Rs. 4,499 in April 2023. However, his disappointment was immense when the jeans displayed significant color fading after only five washes, despite following proper care instructions. Unsatisfied with the response from the showroom, Babu filed a complaint with the consumer court seeking a full refund and compensation for the inconvenience caused.

The Court's Ruling:

The court acknowledged Babu's complaint and observed several key points:

• Lack of Washing Instructions: Van Heusen failed to provide any specific washing instructions with the jeans, leaving the customer uninformed about proper care methods for maintaining color.
• Unreasonable Colour Fading: The court deemed the extent of fading within five washes to be excessive and indicative of poor fabric quality, falling short of expected durability for a product priced at Rs. 4,499.
• Absence of Company Representation: Despite proper notification, no representatives from Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Limited (ABFRL), which owns Van Heusen, appeared in court to defend their stance.

Based on these observations, the court ruled in favor of Babu, ordering ABFRL to:

• Issue a full refund of Rs. 4,016 for the defective product.
• Pay an additional Rs. 1,000 as compensation for the inconvenience and mental distress caused to the customer.

Significance of the Decision:

This case sets a significant precedent for consumer rights in India. It emphasizes the following:

• Manufacturers are responsible for providing clear and adequate care instructions with their products.
• Customers have the right to expect reasonable durability from products, especially those priced at a premium.
• Companies failing to address consumer complaints adequately and transparently may face legal consequences.

Consumer Takeaways:

This case serves as a reminder for consumers to:

• Always retain purchase receipts and bills for future reference.
• Be mindful of washing instructions and follow them carefully.
• Document any product defects with photographs or videos.
• Do not hesitate to file a complaint if you encounter product issues and feel unheard by the company.

This landmark decision empowers consumers to hold manufacturers accountable for product quality and encourages transparent communication, ultimately benefiting both parties in the long run.