Laptop repair shop short-circuited my motherboard – Is consumer court in India even worth it?

[Shreetiger993]

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Shreetiger993
PARTICIPANT
May 7, 2025 at 10:49 am

I recently took my Asus laptop to a well-known shop in Adyar, Chennai because it was overheating. It was still fully functional, just heating up during use.

They opened it up, cleaned the fans, and found some old corrosion on the motherboard—likely from past water damage. However, after they put it back together, the laptop stopped turning on completely. They now say the motherboard is short-circuited and needs to be replaced, which will cost me ₹70,000.

Before giving it to them, the laptop was working perfectly (apart from the heating). They’re trying to pin all the blame on the old corrosion—even though the laptop was clearly functioning before they opened it. They’re refusing to take any responsibility or offer even partial compensation.

I’m considering filing a consumer complaint. I’ve heard it’s relatively affordable (around ₹500 filing fee), and I could also claim compensation for mental stress and legal costs. But I’m worried about how long it’ll take and whether it’s realistically worth the effort. I’m fine with a few months of follow-up—but not years of headaches.

Has anyone here been through the consumer court process in India for a similar kind of issue? Is it worth it in practice, or should I just cut my losses and move on?

I have a recording of the shop person admitting that my laptop was working when I gave it to him as well as photos of the dust and corrosion in the laptop.

Any advice or real experiences would be super helpful. Thanks!

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[Luckynitya9391]

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Luckynitya9391
PARTICIPANT
May 7, 2025 at 12:37 pm

Most repair shops don’t take any liability. So legal battle may not be worth it.

Anything can happen to electronics at any time. It can be a coincidence as well. You’d better find some chip-level repair shop and get it fixed.

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[Shreetiger993]

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Shreetiger993
OP
May 7, 2025 at 12:41 pm

Appreciate the advice, also what do you mean by “chip level” repair shop?

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[Shreetiger993]

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Shreetiger993
OP
May 7, 2025 at 12:42 pm

Appreciate the advice, also what is a “chip level” repair shop?

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[Luckynitya9391]

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Luckynitya9391
PARTICIPANT
May 7, 2025 at 12:45 pm

Chip-level repair shops are the facilities where they repair the Motherboard, find the fault/short circuit, and do the necessary component replacement only. Check some videos on YT. You will get better ideas.

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[Coolknight1377]

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Coolknight1377
PARTICIPANT
May 7, 2025 at 2:26 pm

If you have the time and inclination, then it is possible. These kinds of cases don’t take time but they are slow and need regular time and follow up, every now and then.

You will need to prove that you handed over the laptop in working condition.

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[Shreetiger993]

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Shreetiger993
OP
May 7, 2025 at 2:30 pm

I don’t have anything in writing – not that I think he would be stupid to give something to me anyway – but I have a recording of the repair store manager saying that my laptop was in working condition when I gave it in to the shop. Does that work?

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[Coolknight1377]

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Coolknight1377
PARTICIPANT
May 7, 2025 at 2:33 pm

Whenever I have given a laptop for repair the receipt has been specific about the condition and the parts.

Monetary wise you may not get much. Maybe recover the cost of a used laptop.

Emotional satisfaction, that is up to you.

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[Prostar3051]

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Prostar3051
PARTICIPANT
May 7, 2025 at 9:23 pm

What is the cost of laptop? Just curious

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[Shreetiger993]

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Shreetiger993
OP
May 8, 2025 at 4:14 am

Asus Rog flow x13 R7 – Been a while don’t remember

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