The Economics Of Repair: Fixing Planned Obsolescence By Activating The Right To Repair In India

Abstract

This paper examines the lack of a Right to Repair (R2R) legislation in India, particularly in the technology sector, and proposes key principles for an optimal Right to Repair Act based on competition economics and consumer choice. In the current scenario, electronic devices are often designed with planned obsolescence, leading to limited lifespans and encouraging a cycle of consumption and disposal, which negatively impacts the economy, society, and the environment. The global R2R campaign aims to balance societal rights and corporate interests by empowering consumers with the right to repair their devices. Our research is the first to develop core principles for an efficient and sustainable R2R law in India, drawing exclusively on competition policy and consumer autonomy. Unlike previous frameworks, our approach focuses on consumer autonomy, waste reduction, and sustainability. We hypothesize that incorporating these principles into a Right to Repair Act will significantly reduce the costs of planned obsolescence on various stakeholders and the environment. The paper comprises five sections: (1) an examination of planned obsolescence in the tech sector; (2) an analysis of the R2R concept in general and its application in India; (3) a discussion on sustainability and R2R in the technology sector; (4) a comparison of R2R policies in the EU, France, and the US; and (5) an outline of key principles for an optimal Right to Repair Act, informed by law and economics insights. Our research holds potential to dramatically decrease the costs of planned obsolescence on consumers, those living in environments degraded by electronic waste (e-waste), and policymakers. The findings can contribute to a more sustainable and equitable tech sector, particularly in developing nations like India, which has recently been recognized as the third largest generator of e-waste globally. Copyright © 2023 Ge-Bu.