(This article answers various questions of the readers such as who is a consumer, Who can file the case and represent at the consumer court, What is to be done before filing a complaint, Where to lodge the complaints, How to file a complaint, What are the powers of consumer courts, what are the powers of consumer courts?)
The consumer courts in India are quasi-judicial bodies constituted under the Consumer Protection Act of 1986. At present, there are 604 district (forums)/Commissions, 34 state commissions, and one national commission that deal with cases regarding consumer disputes and grievances. A consumer may file a complaint in the consumer court against the seller of products and services about the defects, duplicity, overcharging, cheating, misleading advertisement, etc., and seek relief under the above act. The defect may be any fault, inadequacy, or shortcoming in quality, effectiveness, purity, or standard that is required to be maintained under the contract or any law in force.
Who is a consumer?
A Consumer is any person who has purchased products or services for his/her personal use (not for commercial purposes or resale). However, a person who bought goods or services for self-employment is also considered a consumer. Similarly, a person who might have not purchased the item but who uses the same with the approval of the buyer is also a consumer.
Who can file the case and represent it at the consumer court?
The complainant himself/herself can present the complaint in person. In the case of the death of the consumer, the legal heir or representative may file a case. Besides, in the public interest any registered voluntary consumer association, State or Central Government, may also approach the consumer courts. One or more consumers having the same interest can jointly file the case.
There is no compulsion that a lawyer has to represent on behalf of the consumer. If the complainant is busy and doesn’t want to attend the hearing, a close relative of the consumer may appear in court if a lawyer is not engaged for the purpose.
What is to be done before filing a complaint?
Before filing a complaint the consumer needs to give notice to the opposite party of the fact of any deficiency in service or of the unfair trade practice and ask to make good of the loss suffered by the complainant by replacing the product or returning the value paid for the product or service. The consumer may approach the consumer court only when the supplier of goods or services denies or disputes the allegation contained in the complaint or neglects the complaint.
Where to lodge the complaints?
The Consumer Protection Act 2019 was notified on August 9th, 2019. However, it came into effect on July 20th 2020. The key changes in the new Consumer Protection Act 2019 are as follows:
The Consumer Protection Act, 2019 when compared with the 1986 Act shows that it provides for greater protection of consumer interests taking into consideration the current age of digitization. The major changes in the new Consumer Protection Act 2019 are as follows:
| Key Points | 1986 Act | 2019 New Act |
| Pecuniary Jurisdiction | District forum – up to 20 lakhs | District Commission – up to 1 crore |
| State commission | from 20 lakhs to 1 crore | from 1 crore to 10 crore |
| National commission | from 1 crore and above | from 10 crore and above |
| Territorial Jurisdiction | Where seller has office | Where complainant resides or works |
| Regulator | No such provision | Central Consumer Protection Authority is formed. |
| Mediation | No such provision | Courts can refer settlement through mediation. |
| E-Commerce | No such provision | E-Commerce transactions will come under the provisions involving direct sales |
| Product Liability | No such provision | The Consumer Protection Act (CPA) of 2019 holds manufacturers, sellers, and service providers liable for compensating consumers if their products or services are defective and cause harm. |
| Video Conferencing | No such provision | State and National Commission have power to declare any terms of contract, which is unfair to any consumer, to be null and void. |
How to file a complaint?
A complaint can be filed in writing on a plain paper comprising the following details.
A minimum of 5 copies of the complaint shall be filed in the Forum and additional copies to each opposite party. The complaint may also be sent by registered post to the address of the forum. The complaint may also be sent by registered post to the address of the forum. Alternatively, the consumer may register a complaint online through the website of Consumer Online Resource and Empowerment Centre (core.nic.in) run by the Consumer Coordination Council and supported by the Department of Consumer Affairs, Government of India. To know more click “How to file a consumer complaint online?”
What are the powers of consumer courts?
The consumer court may deal with cases regarding consumer disputes and grievances. In its judgment the court may pass the order to refund the price paid by the customer, compensation for the loss or injury suffered by the consumer, order discontinuation of unfair trade practices, order to remove the defects or deficiencies in the product or service, withdrawal of the hazardous goods from selling, etc. The court also awards adequate costs to parties.
Like other judicial courts, the consumer courts also have the power to enforce their orders through the Police and Revenue Departments. The forum /commission can issue warrants to produce the defaulter in court and may even sentence the defaulter up to three years in jail and impose a fine of Rs.10000/-. On some occasions, the court may decide the matter in the absence of the accused.
Whether the aggrieved person prefer an appeal?
Yes. If a person is aggrieved by the order made by the lower court he may prefer an appeal against such order from a higher court. The State Commission may admit the appeal filed by an appellant within 30 days from the order of the District Commission or if it is satisfied that there were sufficient reasons for not filing an appeal within that period. The appeal against the order of the District Commission by the State Commission will be entertained only after the appellant has deposited in a prescribed manner 50% of the amount or amount of Rs.25000/- whichever is less.
Limitation Period: The Consumer Protection Act provides a limitation period of two years from the date of cause of action. In special cases, if the commission is satisfied with the reasons for the delay, it may condone the delay.
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