1. Is it legally correct for them to ASSUME that the damage is customer induced. They have no way of proving it. Can this be challenged in court ? On the other hand, there are hundreds of customers who are suffering from the exact same problem as mine, and I'm 100% sure that I didn't damage my laptop.
You first create a record in writing by asking the company to get your laptop repaired which is suffering from manufacture defect and you can even in point the defect which occurred three times earlier but could not repair properly due to the defect in the manufacturing design. Let the company give their report or ask you to produce the product to their experts for their opinion to your complaint. Record everything and secure the evidence. After that issue a legal notice on the same line seeking replacement of the defective product and compensation for the deficient service. After that you file a consumer complaint against the complaint with the help of the evidences in your possession.
2. Can I approach consumer court for such manufacturing defect/faulty product ? Does standard warranty cover such issues ?
2.1 Can I also approach consumer court for having to get my laptop repaired several times ?
The relief through consumer court will be more faster than the regular courts.
3. Many people are suffering from exactly the same problem as mine and have posted it on internet. Does it count as anything ?
They may join you as complainants in your case.
4. I'm suffering from this issue since 1.5 year so
4.1 If I approach the consumer court, what kind of relief I can expect ?
You can seek the relief of replacement of the defective product with a new and good product and also claim compensation for mental agony and costs.
4.2 How much should I claim for ? The cost of laptop is around 45k and repairs is around 5k
the costs as well as compensation for mental agony and physical loss etc can be assessed by you, there is no standard chart for this.
4.3 Should I hire a lawyer ? How much does a lawyer usually charge for consumer court cases ?
You can appear as a party in person, there is no necessity o engage a lawyer for such cases, if you can argue yourself better, that will be more than sufficient. The lawyer fee will depend on the lawyer you may intend to engage.
5. In a scenario that I lose the case, what can be the consequences ? Do I have to pay a fine ? Can the defense ask for their lawyer's fees, etc ?
If you lose he case, i.e., if your case is dismissed, you can prefer an appeal, however until the court orders for costs to be paid to the opposite party, you need not pay anything to the opposite party. The defence lawyer cannot ask for his fees from you.