Substandard modular kitchen upsets consumers

A J Sadashiva and A S Gautham Raghavendra had ordered a modular kitchen (in 22-2-2008) to be installed in their new house from Meera Textiles & Industries (India) Ltd. using American Beach Wood. They paid up Rs 3,08,361. It was installed on 16-8-2008.

But to their dismay, on 20-8-2008, three days after installation, they noticed the shutters and boxes of the kitchen cabinet developed cracks and became unusable.

They complained to the Manager, Mr Peter Damin and he promised that the defects would be rectified within 10 days. The consumers were told to accept a change of shutters - from design to plain mode American Beach Wood! The kitchen was dismantled and shifted without their consent.

Many days later they were shocked to find it replaced again. The new shutters were worse than the old ones. The quality and finish was not uniform.

Many Company executives agreed to come and inspect the kitchen but none of them turned up.

They complained to the III Additional Consumer Forum and the President Sri N Srivathsa Kedilaya has ordered the firm to complete the modular kitchen as per the specifications agreed upon.

If not possible, they should refund Rs 3,08,361 to the complainants along with Rs 50,000 as costs.

Country Club

Tej Kumar B N had complained to the district consumer forum against Country Club (India) Ltd. and had been unhappy with the order which had directed the club to repay his money without interest. He appealed to the Karnataka State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission and its president Justice Chandrashekariah has ordered the Club to to pay up Rs 1,25,000 to him with interest at 16 per cent  along with Rs 10,000 as costs.

Fixed deposit

The III Additional Consumer Forum has ordered the Manipal Sowbhagya Nidhi Ltd. to pay back Rs 32,900 with interest at 18 per cent to A Kantha as dues from her fixed deposit/investment plan.