Supreme Court Raises Concern Over Consumer Dispute Pendency, Seeks NCDRC Report

New Delhi, Aug 14 (KNN) The Supreme Court on Thursday raised serious concerns over delays in disposing of consumer disputes and questioned the functioning and accountability of consumer commissions across the country.

A bench headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant, along with Justices Joymalya Bagchi and J Mohana, directed the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) President to submit a detailed report on the pending cases and disposal rates within two weeks.

Court Seeks Data on Pendency

The direction was issued during a suo motu proceeding concerning the pay and allowances of members of consumer commissions. The court took note of reports of cases remaining pending for several years without regular hearings.

The NCDRC has been asked to provide details of its total pendency, composition and strength, average disposal rate and the estimated time required to clear the backlog. Separate information on cases pending before State Consumer Commissions is also to be compiled, with the respective state Departments of Consumer Affairs assisting in the process.

The Supreme Court further directed the Presidents of State Consumer Commissions to evaluate the performance of all District Consumer Commissions under their jurisdictions over the past three years.

Court Raises Accountability Concerns

The bench questioned whether members of consumer commissions are subject to adequate performance evaluation, particularly in cases involving appointments of retired judges.

Chief Justice Surya Kant raised concerns over whether appointments without corresponding accountability could undermine the effectiveness of the consumer redressal system. He also pointed to infrastructure shortages and gaps in appointments as factors contributing to delays.

The court noted that while some State Commissions may have relatively lower arrears, cases can ultimately accumulate at the National Commission after appeals, adding to its backlog.

Infrastructure Also a Concern

The court indicated that increasing the strength of the NCDRC could help address the growing pendency and also considered the possibility of setting up circuit benches in areas with a high volume of consumer disputes.

At the same time, the bench said accountability should be accompanied by adequate working conditions and infrastructure. The court noted that members should not be expected to function without essential facilities and support staff.

Amicus curiae Senior Advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan supported the need for a performance evaluation mechanism and suggested that inputs from lawyers appearing before the commissions could be considered. He also highlighted reports of inadequate basic facilities, including the absence of women's toilets at some consumer commission premises.

(KNN Bureau)