The Supreme Court has overturned an observation made by the Odisha State Consumer Commission regarding Apple India’s duty to trace a stolen iPhone. The apex court deemed the observation as “unwarranted” while hearing an appeal filed by Apple India against the Consumer Commission’s order concerning a complaint over a stolen iPhone.
The Bench, comprising Justices Vikram Nath and Satish Chandra Sharma, heard the appeal wherein Apple India objected to the observation made by the Consumer Commission regarding its responsibility to trace stolen phones. Although Apple India agreed to compensate the complainant as directed by the Commission, it raised concerns about being compelled to act as a “law-enforcing agency of recovering lost products” marketed by the company.
The contentious paragraph 14 of the State Commission’s order had stated that it was the duty of Apple India to take steps to trace the stolen mobile upon receiving a complaint from the complainant. The Commission noted that Apple India had failed to take immediate action even after receiving relevant documents from the complainant, deeming it a deficiency of service.
Apple India argued that such observations and directions would impose an undue burden on the company, essentially requiring it to undertake law enforcement activities beyond its purview. The company stressed that its responsibility was limited to providing compensation to the complainant and not to actively trace stolen products.
