SC Urges Centre to Set Up Permanent Bodies for Consumer Redressal

PWOnlyIAS

May 26, 2025

SC Urges Centre to Set Up Permanent Bodies for Consumer Redressal

The Supreme Court recently asked the central government to respond within three months about the possibility of setting up a permanent forum to handle consumer disputes.

  • The directive came in response to a petition highlighting shortcomings in the enforcement of the Consumer Protection Act, 1986.

Key Directions & Observations

  • Permanent Forum Setup: Forum to comprise permanent members: both administrative staff and presiding officers.
    • Consider allowing sitting Judges to head the forum.
    • The Union Government can increase the strength of Consumer Tribunals/Courts adequately.
  • Appointment Rules & Tenure
    • Written exam + viva voce only for non-judicial members of State and District Commissions.
    • Exams to be conducted in consultation with State Service Commissions.
    • Tenure of office is fixed at five years (per the Court’s observations), but current appointments continue for 4 years only; judgment applies prospectively.
    • Qualification for President of District Commission restricted to serving or retired District Judges.
  • Selection Committee Composition: More than 50% of the Selection Committee members should be from the Judiciary.
  • Security of Tenure & Efficiency: Permanent appointments enhance efficiency and functionality of consumer justice delivery.
    • Security of tenure is essential for timely, qualitative consumer dispute resolution.
  • Timeline for Centre
    • File an affidavit on the feasibility of permanent forums within 3 months.
    • The Centre must notify new Rules within 4 months, incorporating Court’s directions.

Need for Permanent Consumer Dispute Bodies

  • Ensure Continuity and Stability: Temporary appointments cause frequent vacancies and interruptions. 
    • Permanent bodies with full-time presiding officers and staff ensure consistent functioning and sustained expertise.
  • Address Systemic Backlogs and Delays: Consumer dispute forums face huge pendency of cases due to understaffing and poor infrastructure. 
    • Permanent bodies can be adequately staffed and equipped.
  • Enhance Professionalism and Expertise: Permanent appointments attract qualified judges and officials. 
    • They develop deeper expertise in consumer laws. 
  • Respond to Growing Complexity of Consumer Disputes: The digital economy and e-commerce are growing rapidly. 
    • Consumer disputes have become more complex, involving technology, data privacy, and cross-border issues. 
  • Increase Consumer Confidence and Protection: A permanent institutional framework reinforces the constitutional mandate of protecting consumer rights. 
    • It ensures consumers get fair, quick, and quality adjudication. 
  • Improve Administrative Efficiency: Permanent consumer bodies can invest in better infrastructure, digital tools, and training. 
    • This leads to smoother case management, reduced delays, and easier access for consumers.

Key Legislations for consumer rights Protection

  • Consumer Protection Act, 1986: Established consumer councils and forums for dispute resolution.
    • Protected consumers against adulterated goods, misleading ads, and unfair trade practices. 
    • Granted six fundamental consumer rights: Right to Safety, Right to be Informed, Right to Choose, Right to be Heard, Right to Seek Redressal, and Right to Consumer Education.
  • Consumer Protection Act, 2019: Replaced the 1986 Act to address modern challenges.
    • Expanded coverage to online commerce, product liability, and unfair contracts.
    • Established the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) to enforce consumer rights.
  • Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Act, 2016:  Ensures product safety and quality through mandatory certification. 
    • Allows product recalls and penalties for non-compliance.
  • Legal Metrology Act, 2009: Ensures accuracy in weights and measures used in trade.
    • Promotes fair practices and market transparency.
  • Other Supporting Initiatives: The Department of Consumer Affairs issues guidelines against deceptive online practices, such as “dark patterns.
    • Campaigns like “Jago Grahak Jago” raise consumer awareness nationwide.
    • Digital platforms like the E-Jagriti portal facilitate case filing and virtual hearings.

About Central Consumer Protection Authority

  • Regulatory Body: Central Consumer Protection Authority is a regulatory body set up under Section 10(1) of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, to handle matters affecting rights of consumers.
  • CCPA targets individuals or entities that follow improper trade practices or display inappropriate or wrong advertisements affecting public interest.
  • Nodal Ministry: The Ministry of Consumer Affairs.
  • Composition
    • Headed by a Chief Commissioner.
    • Supported by two commissioners: One focused on goods-related issues; One focused on service-related complaints.
  • The CCPA will have an Investigation Wing that will be headed by a Director General.
    • District Collectors too, will have the power to investigate complaints of violations of consumer rights, unfair trade practices, and false or misleading advertisements.

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UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
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Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
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