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The district consumer redressal forum recently penalised a Dadar-based distributor (firm) for providing a faulty embroidery machine to a consumer. The firm was asked to pay the consumer

Rs3.35 lakh as compensation, along with an additional Rs60,000 for the mental agony the complainant had to go through. The case dates back to November 2010, when Navi Mumbai-based fashion

designer, Alifya Bohari, had booked an embroidery machine (HeFeng machine) worth Rs3.35 lakh from Sonigra Machines Pvt Ltd. After receiving the entire amount, the firm demanded an additional

Rs25,000 as shipping charges. When Bohari refused to pay the additional amount, the firm, instead of delivering the machine to her shop, left it on a road much further away. Then, the firm

deployed inexperienced personnel to demonstrate the working of the machine. Personnel sent later informed the complainant that the machine was faulty, as its stabiliser was not working. When

the complainant approached the firm seeking a refund or replacement, the firm refused to respond. The forum, after going through the evidence, held that the complainant is entitled to a

full refund.