What can I do if an authorised service centre refuses to repair my product under warranty?

My product is still under warranty but the authorised service centre is refusing to repair it or is charging me for the repair. I want to know my rights. I have been reading conflicting things online and I would like to understand what Indian law actually says about this, which Act and Section applies, what the realistic timelines and costs are, and what I should be doing right now to protect my position. If the matter can be resolved without litigation I would prefer that route, but I want to know what my rights are before I agree to anything or sign any document.

What can I do if an authorised service centre refuses to repair my product under warranty? is governed in India primarily by Consumer Protection Act 2019, Section 2(11), Indian Contract Act 1872, Section 73 and Consumer Protection Act 2019, Section 2(34). The short answer is set out below, followed by the practical steps most people in this situation need to take. Read it alongside the specific provisions named, because the exact relief available to you turns on the facts you can prove on paper.

A refusal to honour a valid warranty is a deficiency in service and a defect in the goods under Section 2(11) of the Consumer Protection Act 2019, since the promised free repair was not provided.

The warranty forms part of the sale contract, and its breach entitles you to damages that place you in the position you would have been in had the warranty been honoured, under Section 73 of the Indian Contract Act 1872.

Wrongfully charging for a repair covered under warranty adds to the harm suffered under Section 2(34) of the Consumer Protection Act 2019 and can be recovered as compensation.

You are entitled to demand the free repair, a refund of any amount wrongly charged, and compensation for the harassment of repeated visits to the service centre.

If the service centre keeps delaying without valid reason, this by itself is treated as deficiency in service actionable before the consumer commission.

What to do next: 1) Retain the warranty card, invoice and job sheet from the service centre; 2) Send a written complaint to the manufacturer's customer care citing the warranty terms; 3) Demand a refund of any wrongly charged repair amount in writing; 4) File a consumer complaint if the free repair is still refused.

If the other side has already issued a notice, filed a case or set a deadline, treat the matter as time-sensitive — most remedies under Consumer Protection Act 2019, Section 2(11) carry limitation periods, and a delay you cannot explain weakens an otherwise strong case. You can post the details on the MyVakeel forum for a practising advocate to review, or book a paid consultation with a Bar Council verified lawyer in this practice area.

Disclaimer: This information is for general awareness and does not constitute legal advice. Statutes and their interpretation change, and outcomes depend on the facts of your case. Please consult a qualified advocate before acting on it.