Question

Explain the redressal mechanism available to consumers under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019

Answer 1

The Consumer Protection Act, 2019 establishes a three-tier quasi-judicial redressal mechanism at the District, State, and National levels to resolve consumer disputes efficiently.

This hierarchy is based on the pecuniary jurisdiction (the monetary value of goods or services paid as consideration), which was updated by the central government to prevent overcrowding in higher commissions.

The Three-Tier Redressal Mechanism

1. District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (District Commission)
   • Jurisdiction: Handles complaints where the value of goods or services paid does not exceed ₹ 50 lakh.
   • Composition: Consists of a President and at least two other members.
   • Appeals: If a consumer or trader is dissatisfied with the District Commission’s order, they can appeal to the State Commission within 45 days of the order.
     
2. State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (State Commission)
   • Jurisdiction: Handles complaints where the consideration paid exceeds ₹ 50 lakh but does not exceed ₹ 2 crore. It also hears appeals against orders passed by the District Commissions.
   • Composition: Consists of a President (who is or has been a High Court Judge) and at least four other members.
   • Appeals: Appeals against the State Commission’s orders can be filed before the National Commission within 30 days.
3. National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (National Commission)
   • Jurisdiction: Handles complaints where the value of goods or services paid exceeds ₹ 2 crore. It also hears appeals against orders passed by the State Commissions.
   • Composition: Consists of a President (who is or has been a Supreme Court Judge) and at least four other members.
   • Appeals: If the case originated directly in the National Commission, a final appeal can be made to the Supreme Court of India within 30 days.