Right to Repair Debate in India: Should Consumers Have More Control Over Their Devices

Modern consumers depend on electronic devices and household appliances for almost every aspect of daily life. Smartphones support communication and financial transactions, laptops enable education and professional work, and appliances such as refrigerators, washing machines and air conditioners make everyday activities more convenient. However, when these products stop working, consumers often discover that repairing them can be surprisingly difficult or expensive. A damaged battery, broken display or faulty internal component may turn a relatively new device into an unwanted replacement purchase.

This situation has raised an important consumer rights question: if someone purchases a product, should they also have greater control over how it is repaired, maintained and upgraded? This question lies at the centre of the Right to Repair movement. It argues that consumers should have reasonable access to repair information, spare parts, diagnostic tools and independent repair services rather than depending exclusively on manufacturers or their authorised service networks.

In India, the debate has gained attention because of growing electronic consumption, increasing e-waste, the importance of affordable repairs and the role of local technicians in the economy. The Department of Consumer Affairs has introduced the Right to Repair India initiative and has been working on a repairability framework for selected product categories. However, important questions remain about affordability, manufacturer responsibilities, software restrictions, product safety and the protection of intellectual property.

The debate is therefore not simply about allowing people to open their smartphones or repair household appliances. It is about defining how much control consumers should have after purchasing a product and how manufacturers, independent repair businesses and regulators should share responsibility for extending product life.

Understanding the Right to Repair

The Right to Repair refers to the principle that consumers and independent repair providers should have reasonable opportunities to repair products without facing unnecessary restrictions imposed by manufacturers. It supports access to essential repair information, replacement components, diagnostic software, specialised tools and technical documentation.

Traditionally, manufacturers have controlled many aspects of the repair process. They may determine which components are available, which service providers can access diagnostic tools and how replacement parts are supplied. In some product categories, consumers may have limited alternatives when a device develops a fault. If independent repair options are unavailable or expensive, the customer may have to approach an authorised service centre or replace the entire product.

The Right to Repair movement seeks to make repair more accessible and competitive. It does not necessarily mean that every consumer must be allowed to perform every repair personally. Instead, it supports a system in which qualified independent technicians can obtain the information and components needed to provide safe and reliable services.

This principle also extends beyond smartphones and computers. It can apply to farming equipment, automobiles, refrigerators, washing machines, air conditioners and other products that require maintenance throughout their useful lives.

Why Is the Right to Repair Debate Important in India?

India has a large and diverse consumer market in which electronic devices and household appliances represent significant purchases for many families. A smartphone or laptop may be essential for education, employment, digital payments and communication. Replacing such a device unexpectedly can create a considerable financial burden, particularly when the original fault could have been resolved through an affordable repair.

The issue is also connected to India’s large informal and independent repair economy. Local technicians repair mobile phones, computers, televisions, appliances and vehicles in neighbourhood markets and small workshops. These businesses provide accessible services and support local employment. However, their ability to repair increasingly complex products may be restricted when manufacturers do not provide technical documentation, genuine spare parts or access to diagnostic systems.

The environmental impact is another important consideration. Discarding products that could have been repaired increases electronic waste and creates demand for additional raw materials, manufacturing and transportation. Extending the useful life of products can support more responsible resource consumption and reduce unnecessary replacement.

The Indian government’s Right to Repair initiative recognises these connected concerns. The Department of Consumer Affairs describes the initiative as a way to help consumers access repair information and support from participating brands while encouraging product reuse and a circular economy.

The Major Problems Consumers Face When Repairing Devices

Expensive Authorised Repairs

One of the most common consumer concerns is the cost of repairing products through authorised service centres. A device may require only a specific component replacement, but the service provider may recommend replacing a larger assembly. This can make the repair significantly more expensive than consumers expect.

For example, a smartphone with a damaged display may require an expensive replacement assembly. A laptop with a battery problem may need a specialised component that is available only through selected service channels. When the total repair cost approaches the price of a new device, consumers may decide that replacement is more practical.

However, high repair costs do not automatically indicate unfair conduct. Genuine parts, skilled labour, specialised equipment and warranty obligations all contribute to repair expenses. The concern arises when consumers have no reasonable alternative because parts, information or compatible repair services are unnecessarily restricted.

Limited Availability of Spare Parts

Access to spare parts is essential for maintaining products over time. Even when a technician can identify the fault, the repair may not be possible if the required component is unavailable or supplied only through restricted channels.

This problem becomes particularly serious when manufacturers discontinue a product or stop supplying components after a relatively short period. Consumers may then be forced to replace an otherwise functional device because one important part cannot be obtained.

A stronger Right to Repair framework could encourage manufacturers to provide clearer information about spare-part availability, pricing and expected supply periods. It could also help independent repair businesses obtain legitimate components through more transparent channels.

Restrictions on Repair Manuals and Diagnostic Tools

Modern electronic products are increasingly complex. Their internal components may be connected through specialised connectors, software systems and security mechanisms. Repairing them safely can require detailed technical documentation and diagnostic equipment.

When repair manuals, circuit information or diagnostic software are unavailable to independent technicians, they may be unable to identify faults accurately. This can increase repair time and cost while limiting consumer choice.

The Department of Consumer Affairs has identified access to repair manuals, diagnostic information, tools and spare parts as important elements of a stronger repair ecosystem. Its 2024 discussions on repairability also emphasised the need to improve access to repair information and promote product longevity.

Software Restrictions and Device Locking

A modern device is not simply a collection of physical components. Software controls how its hardware operates, how components communicate and which services remain available. Consequently, replacing a component may sometimes require software-based configuration, calibration or authentication.

This creates a new challenge for the Right to Repair movement. Even when an independent technician obtains a physically compatible component, software restrictions may prevent the device from recognising or using it correctly. Certain repairs may also require access to manufacturer-controlled diagnostic systems.

Consumers therefore need more than physical access to spare parts. A meaningful repair framework must also consider software support, secure component pairing and access to essential diagnostic functions.

India’s Right to Repair Initiative and Government Efforts

India’s Right to Repair initiative is being developed under the Department of Consumer Affairs, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution. The government established a committee in July 2022 to develop a broader framework covering consumer products and repair-related concerns. The initial sectors identified included farming equipment, mobile phones and tablets, consumer durables and automobiles.

The government subsequently launched the Right to Repair India portal to help consumers find repair information and relevant support from participating manufacturers. The portal provides access to company information, customer care resources, service details and repair-related information. It is intended to make the repair process easier to understand and help consumers explore available options.

The initiative is important because it creates a central information point rather than requiring consumers to search separately across multiple manufacturer websites. However, its effectiveness depends on how comprehensive, accurate and regularly updated the information supplied by participating companies remains.

The portal also identifies the product categories covered by the initiative, including mobile phones, tablets, laptops, batteries, printers, refrigerators, washing machines, air conditioners, automobiles and certain farming equipment.

What Is the Repairability Index?

One of the most significant developments in India’s Right to Repair debate is the proposed Repairability Index. It is intended to help consumers understand how easily a product can be repaired before purchasing it.

A product’s appearance, performance and price do not necessarily reveal how difficult it will be to maintain. Two smartphones with similar specifications may have very different repair requirements. One may allow relatively straightforward battery replacement, while the other may require extensive disassembly and specialised procedures.

A Repairability Index could make these differences more visible. In May 2025, the committee constituted by the Department of Consumer Affairs submitted its report on a Repairability Index framework for the mobile and electronics sector. Smartphones and tablets were identified as the initial product categories for the proposed framework.

The recommendations included evaluating factors such as the depth of disassembly, availability of repair information, spare-part availability within a reasonable period, software updates, and the types and availability of tools and fasteners. The committee also recommended displaying the Repairability Index at the point of sale, on e-commerce platforms and through QR codes on product packaging.

In November 2025, the Department of Consumer Affairs announced a public engagement initiative to promote awareness of the Repairability Index framework. The announcement described the proposed approach as a way to encourage informed purchasing decisions and reduce avoidable e-waste.

The Repairability Index could become a valuable consumer information tool. However, its effectiveness will depend on consistent scoring methods, reliable manufacturer declarations, transparent verification and the availability of meaningful information to buyers.

How Greater Repair Rights Could Benefit Consumers

Lower Long-Term Ownership Costs

Greater access to affordable repair services could reduce the cost of owning electronic products and household appliances. Consumers would have more opportunities to replace individual damaged components rather than purchasing entirely new products.

This is particularly important for students, small businesses and households that depend on digital devices but may not be able to replace them frequently. Affordable repairs can help people continue using products that remain functional in most respects.

Greater Freedom to Choose Repair Providers

A stronger repair ecosystem could give consumers more choices between authorised service centres and qualified independent technicians. Competition may encourage repair providers to improve service quality, pricing transparency and turnaround times.

Consumers should still be able to choose authorised repairs when they prefer manufacturer-backed service. The objective is to expand available options rather than eliminate existing service networks.

Better Access to Product Information

Repair manuals, component details, warranty information and diagnostic instructions can help consumers understand the condition of their products. This may also make it easier to compare repair quotations and identify whether a proposed replacement is necessary.

Clear information can reduce confusion and help consumers make decisions based on the actual condition of a device rather than relying entirely on a service provider’s recommendation.

Why Manufacturers Raise Concerns About the Right to Repair

Although the Right to Repair offers potential consumer benefits, manufacturers have legitimate concerns that must be considered when designing regulations.

Product safety is one important issue. Modern electronics contain batteries, high-voltage components, delicate circuits and specialised materials. Incorrect repairs can cause overheating, electrical faults, battery damage or other hazards. Manufacturers argue that certain repairs require trained technicians and controlled procedures to ensure safety.

Cybersecurity is another concern. Devices such as smartphones, connected appliances and vehicles may contain sensitive information or systems that control important functions. Unrestricted access to diagnostic software or internal systems could create opportunities for unauthorised modifications, data exposure or security vulnerabilities.

Intellectual property also requires consideration. Manufacturers invest in research, engineering, software development and product testing. They may argue that repair documentation, proprietary tools and software systems contain commercially sensitive information that should not be distributed without reasonable safeguards.

These concerns do not necessarily justify restricting all independent repairs. Instead, they highlight the need for a balanced framework that protects legitimate safety and security interests while preventing unnecessary barriers to repair.

The Role of Independent Repair Businesses in India’s Economy

India has a long-established culture of repairing and reusing products. Local technicians often provide services for smartphones, computers, electrical appliances, vehicles and agricultural equipment. These businesses are important because they offer repair options in neighbourhoods where authorised service centres may be limited or expensive.

A more accessible repair ecosystem could create opportunities for small enterprises and skilled workers. Independent repair providers could improve their services through access to genuine components, standardised technical information and specialised training.

However, the industry would also need quality standards. Consumers should be able to identify qualified technicians and understand the difference between genuine replacement parts, compatible components and counterfeit products. Better training and transparent certification could help increase confidence in independent repair services. The government has highlighted the potential of Right to Repair to support employment generation, local repair businesses and India’s broader manufacturing and sustainability objectives.

Right to Repair and India’s E-Waste Challenge

Electronic waste is one of the major environmental concerns associated with the growing consumption of digital products. Discarded smartphones, computers, batteries and household appliances contain materials that require appropriate collection, handling and recycling.

When a product is discarded because a single component has failed, the remaining functional materials may also be lost from continued use. Repairing and reusing products can help delay disposal and reduce the demand for replacement devices.

The Right to Repair movement supports a circular economy in which products and materials remain useful for longer. Instead of following a simple pattern of manufacturing, purchasing and discarding, consumers and businesses can extend product life through maintenance, repair, refurbishment, reuse and responsible recycling.

Repair alone cannot eliminate e-waste. Some products eventually become unsafe, technologically obsolete or economically impractical to maintain. Batteries and other components also require specialised recycling when they reach the end of their useful lives. Nevertheless, improving repair access can reduce avoidable disposal and complement India’s existing e-waste management efforts.

What Consumers Should Know Before Repairing a Device

Consumers should understand their warranty terms before choosing a repair provider. Warranty coverage may differ depending on the type of fault, the product’s age and whether damage has resulted from accidental use or normal wear. Consumers should ask the manufacturer or service provider to explain the relevant conditions rather than assuming that every third-party repair automatically cancels the entire warranty.

It is also important to request a written repair estimate. The quotation should explain the faulty component, proposed replacement, labour charges, applicable taxes and expected completion time. Consumers should ask whether the replacement part is genuine, compatible or refurbished and whether the repair carries its own warranty.

For products containing personal information, data protection is particularly important. Before handing over a smartphone or laptop, consumers should back up important information, remove unnecessary sensitive data where possible and use appropriate security measures. They should also ask whether the repair process requires access to passwords or personal files.

Consumers can explore the official Right to Repair India portal to find information and support from participating brands. The portal can be a useful starting point, although consumers should still verify the specific repair terms and availability of parts for their product model.

What India Needs for an Effective Right to Repair Framework

India’s Right to Repair initiative will require more than a central information portal or a repairability score. A practical framework should make essential repair information accessible, encourage reasonable spare-part availability and establish clear expectations about the period during which manufacturers support their products.

Repairability information should be accurate and understandable to ordinary consumers. A score will be useful only if it reflects real-world repair conditions, including component costs, software requirements, disassembly complexity and the availability of trained service providers.

The framework should also recognise differences between product categories. Repairing a smartphone involves different technical and safety requirements from repairing a refrigerator, tractor or electric vehicle. Regulations should therefore be designed according to the risks and technical characteristics of each category.

Independent repair providers need access to genuine or appropriately certified components, while consumers need clear information about the qualifications of technicians and the risks associated with different repair options. Manufacturers should retain reasonable protections for product safety, cybersecurity and intellectual property without using these concerns to create unnecessary restrictions.

Finally, enforcement and grievance redressal will matter. Consumers need accessible ways to report unavailable parts, misleading repair information, unreasonable restrictions or disputes over repair services. Transparent reporting and regular review can help regulators understand whether the framework is producing practical benefits.

Conclusion

The Right to Repair debate in India is ultimately about consumer control, affordability, product longevity and responsible technology use. Purchasing a smartphone, laptop or household appliance should give consumers reasonable opportunities to maintain and repair that product throughout its useful life. When spare parts, technical information and repair services are difficult to access, consumers may face unnecessary expenses and products may be discarded earlier than necessary.

India has taken important steps through its Right to Repair initiative, the government portal and the proposed Repairability Index framework for smartphones and tablets. These developments can improve price transparency, support independent repair businesses and encourage manufacturers to consider repairability during product design.

However, the success of the movement will depend on how effectively consumer interests are balanced with product safety, cybersecurity, intellectual property and legitimate manufacturer responsibilities. A strong framework should not force consumers to use independent repairs, nor should it allow manufacturers to control every repair option without reasonable justification.

Consumers should have meaningful choices, access to reliable information and the ability to select safe and affordable repair services. Greater repair freedom could help India strengthen its local repair economy, reduce avoidable e-waste and build a more sustainable relationship between people and the technology they own.

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