Flipkart — Defective Watch Delivered Unfair Denial of Return & Forced Service Center Visit

I purchased a watch from Flipkart with the following details:
• Order ID: OD[protected]
• Order Date: January 17, 2026

Upon receiving the product, I found that the watch is defective / malfunctioning. The issue was identified immediately after delivery.

I raised a return/replacement request within the eligible return period. However, Flipkart refused to accept the return and instead instructed me to visit the brand’s service center and obtain a denial letter.

This action by Flipkart is unfair, unreasonable, and against consumer protection norms, for the following reasons:
1. The authorized service center is located very far from my residence, causing unnecessary travel, time loss, and financial burden.
2. Flipkart has not provided any written assurance that my return or refund will be approved even after submitting a denial letter.
3. There is no clarity on who will bear the travel or service-related expenses, which is unjustified.
4. As a consumer, I am not legally responsible to coordinate with the service center for a defective product delivered by Flipkart.
5. This conduct amounts to deficiency in service and unfair trade practice under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, and has caused mental harassment.

Flipkart, being the selling platform, is fully responsible for resolving defects in products sold through its platform and cannot shift its responsibility to the consumer.