‘Black line along fold, motherboard problem’: Google faces ₹1.1 million fine for faulty folding phone in Kerala | Today’s news
Apple recently unveiled its first ever foldable iPhone. However, foldable phones are no longer a novelty. While many continue to debate the move after launch, the flawed foldable phone landed Google in a costly consumer dispute. According to a report by The Economic Times, the company was ordered by the district consumer commission to pay more than ₹1.1 lakh to a customer for issues related to his flip phone.
Google is in legal trouble over its foldable phone
The incident took place in Kasaragod, Kerala. Google has reportedly been ordered to refund the money ₹88,331 men. The problem arose after he bought a foldable phone but the company rejected his warranty claim and asked him to pay ₹1,31,899 for repair.
The commission reportedly ordered Google to pay ₹20,000 as compensation and ₹3,000 towards the costs of the court proceedings, making the total over ₹1.1 million before interest.
Replacement for ₹After the complainant approached the consumer court, 88,331 phones were ordered.
Consumer Claims
According to the same report, the consumer claimed that the device was mainly used by his wife for work at a Bengaluru-based company. After seven months of purchase, a black line reportedly appeared along the crease of the inner screen. He further claimed that the battery symbol also appeared, indicating a problem with the motherboard.
The complainant stated that the phone had minor scratches on the outer body from normal use. He claimed that the physical damage had nothing to do with the screen or motherboard related issues.
When he contacted Google for a warranty claim, the support team initially told him that the phone was eligible for a free replacement. However, he said that after a service partner picked up the device for inspection, the company changed its mind. She allegedly rejected a warranty claim citing scratches.
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Repair bill almost 3x the price of the phone
The company later sent him a repair estimate ₹1,31,899, almost three times the original price of the phone.
The complainant did not pay the amount for the repair. He stated that the phone eventually stopped working after it was returned to him. He claimed that the previous screen problem progressed to a motherboard failure while the device was with the brand. He moved the National Consumer Helpline.
In addition, the commission said that Google initially recognized the warranty claim and later changed its decision. It found that the scratches had no connection to an internal defect, which Google’s behavior described as a flaw in the service.
It is said that several notices and reminders have been sent to Google, to which no one has responded.
He subsequently approached the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission with a request for a refund or replacement of the phone. He also sought compensation for mental anguish and professional disruption caused by the company.
Google was notified of the case but reportedly did not appear before the commission. The case was decided ex parte against the company.
Read also | Apple iPhone Duo costs ₹ 3,000 in India vs ₹ 1,900,000 in US: Why the price difference?
Similar case with Apple
In handing down the order, the commission referred to an earlier case involving Apple. In this case too, the company was punished for rejecting the claim and accusing it of alleged unauthorized handling of the device.
Total fine
The commission ordered Google to return the money ₹88,331 along with 9% interest per annum from December 27, 2025, when the error was first reported, until payment is made. The company also ordered it to pay ₹20,000 as compensation and ₹3,000 as legal costs.
Google reportedly has 30 days from the date of the order to comply or the amount will continue to accrue interest.
