Realme Held Liable for Defective Phone Explosion; Delhi Consumer Commission Awards Compensation to UPSC Aspirant

April 7, 2026 : The District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission-VIII (Central), Delhi has held Realme Mobile Telecommunication (India) Pvt. Ltd. liable for deficiency in service and for supplying a defective product after a mobile phone explosion caused burn injuries to a civil services aspirant and led to the loss of his opportunity to appear in a crucial examination.

In its order dated April 7, 2026, the Bench comprising Divya Jyoti Jaipuriar (President) and Dr. Rashmi Bansal (Member) allowed the complaint filed by Koti Sai Pavan, holding that the incident reflected a serious safety failure and that the manufacturer failed to take adequate responsibility.

Explosion Incident and Injuries

The complainant had purchased a Realme XT mobile phone on October 6, 2019 for ₹18,000. On June 4, 2022, at around 3:00 AM, the device allegedly exploded while lying near him as he slept, bursting into flames and causing burn injuries to his arm, forehead, and fingers.

Medical records from Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital confirmed first-degree burns and subsequent treatment, including follow-ups and prescriptions for further care.

Due to the injuries and emergency treatment, the complainant was unable to appear for the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) preliminary examination scheduled on June 5, 2022, resulting in the loss of an entire year of preparation.

Service Centre Conduct Criticised

Following the incident, the complainant approached an authorised service centre seeking replacement of the device. However, he was informed that only repair was possible. When he later returned to collect the repaired phone, he was asked to sign an acknowledgement stating that the damage was “user-induced.” Upon refusal, the device was not returned.

The Commission took serious note of this conduct, observing that the company failed to act responsibly despite being aware of a potentially hazardous incident.

Lack of Defence by Manufacturer

Although the opposite party filed a written statement, it failed to produce evidence or file written arguments despite repeated opportunities. The Commission held that pleadings without supporting evidence carry no evidentiary value except for admitted facts.

Findings on Defect and Liability

Based on photographs of the burnt device, medical records, and other documentary evidence, the Commission concluded that the explosion was caused by the mobile phone’s battery. It emphasised that such incidents raise serious safety concerns and that manufacturers are expected to ensure product reliability and consumer safety.

The Commission also observed that the incident had significant consequences, including physical injury, financial loss, and disruption of the complainant’s career trajectory due to the missed examination.

Compensation Awarded

Holding that the complainant was sold a defective product, the Commission directed the company to pay:

• ₹1,00,000 towards compensation for physical pain, injury, and mental agony
• ₹25,000 towards damages
• ₹25,000 towards litigation costs

The amounts will carry interest at 6% per annum from October 1, 2022, with a higher rate of 9% per annum applicable in case of non-compliance within 30 days.

Case Details

Case Title: Koti Sai Pavan v. Realme Mobile Telecommunication (India) Pvt. Ltd.
Case No.: Consumer Complaint No. DC/77/CC/120/2022
Coram: Divya Jyoti Jaipuriar (President), Dr. Rashmi Bansal (Member)