Question

Sirajuddin purchased a car for ₹ 15 lacs from an automobile company and found that its airbags were defective. After many complaints with the company that went unheard, he filed a case in the District Forum. He was not satisfied with the orders of the District Forum. He then appealed before the State Commission and on being dissatisfied with the orders of State Commission, he appealed before the National Commission. Sirajuddin was not satisfied with the orders of National Commission.

1. Suggest him the highest authority where he could appeal against the decision of the National Commission.   (1)
2. Which consumer cases fall under the jurisdiction of Supreme Court and which under the National Commission?   (2)
3. As per Consumer Protection Act, who is a consumer?   (2)
4. Enumerate any three parties who can file a complaint under the Consumer Protection Act.   (3)

Answer 1

1. He cannot take his appeal to any other higher authority because only those cases that have been directly filed in the National Commission, and where the combined value of goods and services and compensation claimed exceeds ₹10 crore, are eligible to be appealed to the Supreme Court.

2. Cases under Supreme Court jurisdiction: These include those that have been directly filed in the National Commission and where the total value of goods and services, along with the compensation sought, exceeds ₹10 crore.

   Under the National Commission: These include cases that have been filed in the State Commission but the aggrieved party is dissatisfied with the decision of the State Commission, and the value of goods and services along with compensation claimed exceeds ₹10 crore.

3. A consumer is any person who buys any goods or hires or avails any services for a consideration that has been paid, promised, partly paid, or partly promised. It also includes anyone who uses such goods or services with the approval of the buyer, but does not include a person who obtains goods for resale or for commercial purposes.
4. 1. The consumer
   2. consumer association
   3. Central or State government