Product Defect: Chandigarh Consumer Commission held ASICS India guilty of deficiency in service in a case of defective running shoes and ordered it to pay an additional Rs 10,000 as compensation to the customer.

The company suffered a setback due to defective shoes.

ASICS Shoes Case: If you too buy shoes from a big and trusted brand with the expectation that they will be of superior quality and can last a long time, then this news is very important for you. Recently, the Chandigarh District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, while hearing a complaint related to running shoes, held sports footwear company ASICS India guilty of deficiency in service and unfair trade practices and ordered it to pay an additional compensation of Rs 10,000.

What is the whole matter?

A customer named Ajay Malik purchased a pair of high-end shoes, but within just a month, he began experiencing discomfort while running and walking. Upon inspection, he discovered that the soles had separated from the heel and edges, making them difficult to use. Ajay Malik then returned the shoes to the store, where his claim was initially accepted.

But since they didn't have the same model, they were asked to choose another pair of shoes and were even made to sign an exchange form. However, the company later flatly refused to replace the shoes or refund the money, saying it would only offer a credit voucher. The company, on the other hand, defended itself in court, claiming there was nothing wrong with the shoes.  

Why did the Commission give its decision in favour of the customer?

After hearing everything, the court asked, "If there was nothing wrong with your shoes, why did the company accept the claim and make you sign the exchange form?" Furthermore, they said, "When a customer spends a significant amount of money on an expensive brand, they expect high quality. Therefore, the shoes' failure within just one month demonstrates the company's negligence."

What is the final decision of the court?

The court ordered the company to refund the full purchase price of the shoes, ₹6,499, to the customer. In addition, interest at 6% per annum will be paid from the date of purchase. The court also ordered an additional ₹10,000 in compensation to the customer for the mental distress and legal costs incurred. The court further ordered the company to pay this full amount to the customer within 60 days.